U.S. Treasury Chief Says China Will Be Blocked from Accessing Iranian Oil

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said China will not be allowed to obtain Iranian oil, as Washington moves to block its flow to global markets. Speaking in Washington, Bessent stated that while China can import oil, it will not be permitted to access supplies from Iran. He emphasized that the U.S. will take measures to prevent Iranian oil from reaching international markets, particularly China. He also warned that the U.S. could act to stop Iranian oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Bessent described China as an “unreliable global partner,” accusing it of stockpiling oil and restricting exports of certain goods. He added that the issue has been raised with Chinese officials, but did not comment on its potential impact on former President Donald Trump’s possible visit to Beijing in May.