China rejects US sanctions on Iranian airlines
China announced its rejection of US sanctions on Iranian airlines, describing them as illegal. This came after statements by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the possibility of those airlines ceasing operations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun affirmed Beijing's opposition to unilateral sanctions that are not based on international law.
China announced on Tuesday its rejection of US sanctions on Iranian airlines, describing them as "illegal." This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who affirmed that Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions that are not based on international law or UN Security Council approval. This position comes after statements by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said US pressure could lead to Iranian airlines ceasing operations as of September 23. Bessent explained that Washington will prevent sanctioned Iranian aircraft from obtaining fuel, services, and selling tickets, threatening violators with exclusion from the dollar-based financial system. These measures are part of a US campaign to tighten economic pressure on Tehran, as Washington imposed sanctions on September 8 on the remaining Iranian airlines not previously covered by sanctions, along with 36 entities accused of supporting the Iranian aviation sector and transporting weapons, personnel, and illicit shipments. The sanctions also targeted companies, brokers, and trade routes used by Iran to obtain aircraft and sensitive technology.