Will China Betray Iran and Russia? U.S. Demands a Price before Talks Begin

The United States and China are on the verge of holding economic negotiations, and international media are portraying this as a sign of de-escalation between the two countries. One of the stories that has recently received coverage in Western press is the U.S. demand that China stop purchasing oil from Russia and Iran. This demand reveals Washington’s excessive expectations—even before the talks have begun.

Iran’s Correct Path in Economic Resistance

The U.S. request for China to halt Iranian oil purchases reflects a degree of desperation and, more importantly, confirms that Tehran’s chosen path of economic resistance is working. Even under harsh sanctions, Iran’s resistance economy has proven active and effective. This growing concern in Washington stems from the fact that one of the goals of U.S. sanctions was to isolate Iran—a goal Tehran is skillfully managing to counter. Now, the United States is trying to use indirect pressure via China to deepen Iran’s isolation.

China: A Strategic and Independent Partner against U.S. Unilateralism

Given the scope of Iran-China relations—especially in trade and energy—it is unlikely that China will yield to the United States’ excessive demands. China is determined to maintain long-term relations with Iran and sees Iran’s energy reserves as strategically significant. Therefore, the continuation of current bilateral relations between Tehran and Beijing is expected.

Iran’s Active Diplomacy and the Failure of Maximum Pressure

The U.S. strategy to contain Iran under Trump’s second term evolved into a combination of negotiations, threats, and pressure on Iran’s allies. However, the available evidence suggests this approach has largely failed. On the contrary, it has brought Iran closer to the countries of the Eastern bloc. Iran’s strategy of strengthening ties with organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has helped it bypass U.S. sanctions and prompted Washington to pressure Iran’s partners instead—a sign of Washington’s inability to directly restrain Tehran.
Iran’s Rising Role in the Emerging Global Order

China’s broad cooperation with Iran, particularly in the energy sector, has bolstered Iran’s place in a future multipolar global order. This undermines U.S. economic hegemony, and if the trend continues, Iran’s regional and global standing will only grow stronger.

A Test for China’s Balancing Act in Global Politics

The upcoming U.S.-China economic talks may serve as a test for Beijing in balancing its economic interests in the West against its strategic partnerships with Iran and Russia. Should China make even partial concessions—such as halting oil imports from Iran and Russia—it would severely disrupt the global energy market and shift geopolitical dynamics. While this would be a major win for the U.S., it would also pose long-term risks to China’s own strategic plans.

In conclusion, U.S.-China talks could significantly impact both regional and global developments. Whether or not China agrees to Washington’s demands concerning oil purchases from Iran and Russia could shape two very different futures. The world now watches to see what direction these critical negotiations will take—and what it will mean for Iran and Russia’s global positions.

*Translated by Ashraf Hemmati from the original Persian article written by Amirali Yeganeh