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Trump Weighs Lifting Sanctions on Chinese Buyers of Iranian Oil After Xi Talks

The remarks point to sanctions relief as a bargaining chip with Beijing to tighten pressure on Tehran.

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Overview

  • Trump said he discussed lifting U.S. penalties on Chinese firms that purchase Iranian crude and plans a decision soon.
  • The White House only recently targeted several Chinese refiners for those purchases, including Hengli Petrochemical, one of China’s largest private plants.
  • He said he and Xi agreed Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump added he could accept a 20-year pause of Iran’s nuclear work if Tehran offers what he called a real commitment.
  • U.S. officials floated the idea of China buying more American energy, though Chinese readouts did not mention any deals.