Trump puts spotlight on China, Iran’s top oil consumer

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

With the blockade of Iranian ports moving toward its third day, China, Iran’s largest importer of oil, is vowing not to send weapons to the Islamic Republic.

President Donald Trump confirmed circulated reports that China could be supplying weapons to Iran.

“[China] have agreed not to send weapons to Iran,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Wednesday morning.

The president also mentioned that China “is very happy” that Trump is “permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz,” adding that he is “doing it for them…and the world.”

China heavily depends on the Strait of Hormuz for about half of its crude oil imports. In contrast, Iran depends on China as its largest oil customer, accounting for nearly 91% of Iran’s oil exports, according to Visual Capitalist.

Since the blockade began, six commercial ships have been turned away from Iranian ports, according to reports.

“A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East. An estimated 90% of Iran’s economy is fueled by international trade by sea. In less than 36 hours since the blockade was implemented, U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” said U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

Trump’s squeeze on Iran’s oil exports comes as reports are circulating that talks between Iran and the U.S. could resume soon, possibly returning to Pakistan after marathon talks over the weekend failed to produce a deal.

The president has been very clear on his demands regarding the Islamic Republic not obtaining a nuclear weapon, supporting proxies and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.