U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at a meeting held at the White House that Washington would take steps to reduce Iran's oil exports to China.
Medianews.az reports that the news was released by the "Axios" agency citing two American officials.
According to the news, the U.S. and Israel intend to implement a maximum pressure strategy against Iran.
A senior U.S. official quoted by "Axios" said: "We agreed to continue applying pressure on Iran with all our strength, including regarding Iran's oil sales to China."
Regarding the issue, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced its stance. The ministry's spokesperson stated on February 15 that normal interstate cooperation carried out within the framework of international law is "reasonable and legal" and "should be respected and protected."
More than 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports are purchased by China. A decrease in this trade could mean a significant drop in Iran’s oil revenues.
The news notes that last week, diplomats from Washington and Tehran held talks on Iran’s nuclear program through the mediation of Oman. These talks coincide with a time when Washington has deployed naval forces in the region, and the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of long-term military operations against Iran.
Togrul Ali,
Medianews.az