US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran, particularly by targeting its oil exports to China, according to a report.
The White House meeting reportedly centred on limiting Tehran&rsquo;s ability to sell crude to Beijing, which remains the largest buyer of Iranian seaborne oil. Data from analytics firm Kpler indicates that China purchases over 80% of Iran&rsquo;s oil shipped by sea. In 2025, China imported an average of 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian crude, about 13.4% of its total seaborne oil imports.
Due to US sanctions aimed at curbing funding for Tehran&rsquo;s nuclear programme, Iran has few official buyers. Oil shipments to China are often rerouted or labelled as originating from countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Chinese customs data have not shown direct Iranian oil imports since mid-2022.
The renewed &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign is expected to run parallel to ongoing nuclear negotiations. An executive order signed by Trump recently allows the administration to impose tariffs of up to 25% on nations trading with Iran, potentially expanding economic leverage.
Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. A second round of nuclear discussions is scheduled to take place with diplomatic facilitation from Switzerland. Trump has warned of severe consequences if no agreement is reached and has reiterated that military action remains an option.
The US has also reinforced its military presence in the region, including deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful. However, concerns persist as uranium enrichment levels have reportedly reached 60% purity, close to weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency has faced challenges in fully verifying Iran&rsquo;s stockpile in recent months.
Investigations and diplomatic engagements continue amid heightened geopolitical strain.

US to target Iran oil exports to China amid nuclear talks

Trump, Netanyahu Step Up Iran Pressure

US to target Iran oil exports to China amid nuclear talks

February 15, 2026 | 11:22 IST