US President Donald Trump has opened a new front in the Iran crisis — targeting China. The US President said Beijing could face staggering 50 per cent tariffs if it is found supplying weapons to Iran, even as he simultaneously pitched an offer: buy cheaper oil from the United States instead.
The remarks, delivered during a Fox News interview, come at a moment when tensions are already running high after failed US-Iran talks and Washington’s decision to move towards a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to reports that China may be preparing to supply military equipment to Iran, he said the consequences would be immediate and severe. “I doubt they would do that… If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which is a staggering — that’s a staggering amount,” Trump said.
The threat follows intelligence assessments reportedly claiming Beijing could be preparing shipments of air defence systems to Iran, possibly routed through third countries to avoid detection. The US President is scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He has previously used tariffs as a geopolitical tool, targeting both rivals and allies. However, linking trade penalties directly to military support in an active conflict marks a notable escalation in how economic leverage is being deployed.
TRUMP’S TARIFF THREAT COMES WITH CHEAPER OIL PITCH
Even as he issued a warning, he also made an unexpected pitch to China by offering to supply oil at competitive rates. “China can send their ships to us to Venezuela… we have a lot of overcapacity, and we’ll probably sell (oil) for even less money (than Iran),” he said.
The developments come in the wake of marathon talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, which ended without a deal despite progress on several issues. US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the negotiations failed to produce agreement on key demands, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump, meanwhile, said Iran had been “unyielding” on its nuclear ambitions and had failed to meet conditions tied to the ceasefire, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the collapse of talks, Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil routes. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he said.
With inputs from agencies
