China has expressed opposition to US sanctions on Iranian airlines, describing them as "illegal" and without basis in international law. The statement was made by foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a news conference. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, had threatened potential measures against Iranian airlines in a televised interview. Bessent stated that all Iranian airlines would be shut down globally within days due to American sanctions.
The US sanctions target Iran's aviation sector, including firms based outside Iran that support the sector. The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on all remaining Iranian airlines that had not yet faced penalties. According to Bessent, any entity providing services to Iranian airlines, such as fuel or landing services, would be excluded from the dollar system. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase pressure on Tehran.
The tensions between the US and Iran have been escalating since late February, when US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader and senior military officials. Iran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for energy transit, causing global oil prices to surge. The conflict has spread in the Middle East, with the US imposing sanctions on Iran's aviation sector this month.
The criticism from China comes ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, starting Thursday. China is a top economic partner and diplomatic backer of Iran. Guo Jiakun emphasized that China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council.
Bessent's comments were made a day after he met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic talks, laying the groundwork for the meeting between the two countries' leaders. The US and China have been discussing economic issues, but the US sanctions on Iran have created tension between the two nations.
The Iranian airlines affected by the sanctions include Mahan Air, which has been accused of supporting Iran's military and terrorist activities. The US Treasury Department has also targeted firms based outside Iran that support Iran's aviation sector. Iran Air has stated that it has not been informed of any flight ban despite the US announcement.
The US sanctions on Iranian airlines have sparked concerns about the impact on global air travel and trade. The international community has been watching the developments closely, as the conflict between the US and Iran continues to escalate.
Key points
- China opposes US sanctions on Iranian airlines, calling them "illegal".
- US sanctions target Iran's aviation sector, including firms based outside Iran.
- The conflict between the US and Iran has been escalating since late February.
