China, India and others face scrutiny as Washington ramps up Iran pressure

The United States is stepping up its economic offensive against Iran, and the list of countries under scrutiny is growing. President Trump’s declaration of an Economic D‑Day signals an intent to isolate Tehran financially and commercially.

China, the world’s biggest purchaser of Iranian oil, is the primary target. Additional sanctions could hit Chinese banks, state‑linked shipping firms and refinery operators that handle Iranian crude, potentially rattling US‑China ties at a delicate moment.

India, which maintains historic energy links with Tehran, is also on the radar, though Washington has so far stopped short of a direct threat. Turkey, Germany, South Korea and Japan, all of which have engaged in trade with Iran, could also feel the pressure if the US decides to widen the sanction regime.

The United Arab Emirates has already withdrawn from Iranian trade and finance, removing a key channel for Tehran’s revenue. The ongoing slowdown in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already injected uncertainty into the global oil market, and any further constraints risk pushing prices higher and raising shipping costs.

Analysts suggest that the US plan may evolve into a systematic campaign that targets every nation and corporation that provides Iran with oil, financing or logistical support, with China at the core of the effort and India and other partners watching the developments closely.