How the U.S. Is Using the Iran War to Squeeze China Ahead of Trump–Xi Summit

The U.S. economic blockade on Iran indirectly but intentionally pressures Beijing. Analysts say that’s Trump building leverage ahead of his summit with Xi.

French Commander Thomas Scalabre points toward the positions of ships on the Strait of Hormuz on a screen at the Maritime Information and Cooperation and Awareness center in Brest, France, on April 27, 2026.

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by Terri Wu
May 12, 2026

As the United States ups its economic pressure to force the Iranian regime to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Washington’s squeeze on Tehran has extended to Beijing, a major source of support for the Iranian economy through illicit oil trade. Analysts say that’s partly because the U.S. president is increasing his leverage ahead of his scheduled visit to Beijing in mid-May.

On April 15, Washington launched Operation Economic Fury to cut off Iran’s revenue streams.

On the same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the United States “intends to take us down first, and then deal with China,” …