US Presses China on Iran Economic Isolation: Support Us or Oppose Us?

The United States government has issued a warning to its allies and China to support an economic isolation aimed at “toppling” the Iranian government. Washington has threatened severe consequences for countries that do not support the move.

“This will be the largest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world. And we are coming to them with a message: are you with us or against us?” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in his message to US allies, as reported by AFP and TRT World on Friday (21/8/2026).

The message was delivered by Bessent after US President Donald Trump warned that any country providing “rescue assistance in any form” to Iran would face “VERY SEVERE” economic consequences.

When asked whether the US would specifically pressure China to support the economic isolation of Iran, Bessent said it would be “very beneficial” if Beijing supported the move.

“We believe all parties want the Strait (of Hormuz) reopened and energy prices to fall again. It should be remembered that China obtains 50 percent of its energy supply from the Gulf region. So it would be very beneficial for them to support this move,” Bessent said.

Furthermore, the US Treasury Secretary called on other countries to support the US move or face the consequences.

“So this is the time for our allies and the entire world to make a decision. We will cripple the economy of this murderous regime, which will limit their ability to project power through their proxies,” Bessent stressed in his statement.

Bessent, as reported by Reuters, affirmed that the US would impose the heaviest sanctions ever against Iran.

“This is a double blow. We are implementing a blockade (against Iran), and we will impose the heaviest sanctions in history. This will work in Iran and we will bring down this regime,” the US Treasury Secretary stressed.

He added that the new pressure means there will likely be no increase in US military operations against Iran “for now”.

Chinese authorities have expressed opposition to Trump’s economic operation, dubbed “Economic D-Day”, against Iran. Beijing continues to emphasise the importance of diplomatic means to end the conflict.

“The imposition of sanctions and pressure does not help in resolving problems,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian to reporters in Beijing.

“China calls on the relevant parties to take responsible steps and resolve this issue through diplomatic and political means,” he said.