US presses China to join economic pressure campaign against Iran

The US pressed China to “get with the program” and join an economic pressure campaign against Iran, part of Washington’s broader pivot away from military tools as it seeks to end the Middle East conflict.

The remarks by the Treasury secretary come ahead of the expected unveiling next week of new US sanctions against Tehran. But his call for support from Beijing — which wields considerable economic leverage over Iran — comes at a tricky time: The superpowers have largely adhered to a recent trade truce, but tensions are growing ahead of a summit next month between their leaders. Beijing is also skeptical of Washington’s campaign, with a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman saying “sanctions and pressure” would not resolve the US-Iran war.