Trump’s Oil Comment Prompts Sanctions Debate as White House Clarifies Policy

 June 25, 2025 – In a surprising development following the precarious ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that China can continue to purchase Iranian oil. The President's remarks, posted on Truth Social yesterday, have raised questions about a potential shift in long-standing U.S. sanctions policy against Tehran.

"China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran," President Trump wrote in his social media post. He added, "Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also. It was my Great Honor to make this happen!" This statement came just days after he ordered U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

Trump's comments immediately sparked discussion among analysts and officials, as they appear to contradict the "maximum pressure" campaign enforced by previous U.S. administrations, including his own first term, which aimed to cripple Iran's economy by driving its oil exports to zero. The U.S. has consistently sanctioned countries and entities, including Chinese "teapot" refineries, for processing Iranian oil.

However, senior White House officials quickly moved to clarify President Trump's statement, indicating that it does not signal a relaxation or reversal of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil. Instead, they explained that Trump's post was intended to highlight that, thanks to his actions in brokering the ceasefire, the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains open. The closure of the Strait, a critical shipping route for roughly 20 percent of the global oil and gas trade, would have been devastating for major importers like China.

Despite U.S. sanctions, China has remained Iran's largest oil customer, reportedly absorbing over 90 percent of Tehran's oil exports. According to research firm Kpler, China imported approximately 1.3 million barrels of Iranian crude oil per day in April 2025. China has largely circumvented sanctions through various tactics, including ship-to-ship transfers and using third countries for transshipment.

In response to Trump's post, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated at a press briefing today that "China will take legitimate measures to safeguard its energy security based on its own national interests." This reflects Beijing's long-held position against what it calls Washington's "abuse of illegal unilateral sanctions."

Analysts suggest that while the White House insists no policy shift has occurred, Trump's public statement could be interpreted by some as a tacit "green light" for China, potentially easing some perceived legal risks around China's continued purchases of Iranian oil. It also comes as the Trump administration reportedly seeks to re-engage on a new trade framework with China, potentially linking various geopolitical and economic objectives.

The unexpected nature of the President's remarks and the subsequent White House clarification underscore the complex and often fluid dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning major oil-producing nations and global energy markets. The situation will continue to be closely monitored for any actual changes in sanctions enforcement.