Trump signals US could ease Iran oil sanctions enforcement

26/6/2025 6:19

President Donald Trump

said on Wednesday that the U.S. has not given up its maximum

pressure on Iran - including restrictions on sales of Iranian

oil - but signaled a potential easing in enforcement to help the

country rebuild.



"They're going to need money to put that country back into

shape. We want to see that happen," Trump said at a news

conference at the NATO Summit when asked if he was easing oil

sanctions on Iran.



Trump said a day earlier that China can continue to purchase

Iranian oil after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, but the

White House later clarified that his comments did not indicate a

relaxation of U.S. sanctions.



Trump imposed waves of Iran-related sanctions on several of

China's independent "teapot" refineries and port terminal

operators for purchases of Iranian oil.



Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, told CNBC that

Trump's comment on China's ability to buy Iranian oil "was a

signal to the Chinese that we want to work with you, that we're

not interested in hurting your economy." China is the top buyer

of Iranian crude and has long opposed Trump's sanctions on the

oil.

"We're interested in working together with you in unison, and

hopefully that becomes a signal to the Iranians," Witkoff said.