China urges talks over US Treasury 'toughest sanctions' on Iran

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that military actions and sanctions only escalate tensions. "China always believes military actions, sanctioning, pressuring do not help solve the problem, it only builds up the tensions in the current situation," he said. Lin added that such measures serve no party's interests.

"We urge the relevant party to solve the current dispute through negotiations and dialogue," Lin said when asked about the fresh US sanctions, which Tehran has condemned as "economic terrorism." He stated that Beijing "opposes any illegal, unilateral sanctions without authorization of the UN," adding that China hopes all sides pursue political settlements.

US threatens 'greatest economic isolation'

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday announced Washington would impose the "toughest sanctions in history" on Iran as part of the "greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world." Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said the US "will put its full might and force toward" nations found transferring money, purchasing oil, or conducting seaborne transport with Iran.

Washington would tell countries they are "either with us or against us," Bessent said. The threats target major Iranian oil importers including China — the world's second-largest economy and one of Tehran's biggest crude customers.