Trump and Netanyahu Agree to Intensify Pressure on Iran's Oil Trade With China

The move signals a renewed push to tighten economic pressure on Tehran, particularly by targeting one of its most critical sources of revenue.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a new understanding during a meeting at the White House, agreeing that the United States would take stronger steps aimed at reducing Iran's oil exports to China, which currently serves as the primary destination for the majority of Iran's crude exports.

Why it matters

China remains the dominant buyer of Iranian oil, accounting for more than 80% of the country's total exports. Any significant disruption to this trade would likely have a major impact on Iran's economy, reducing hard currency inflows and potentially increasing financial strain on the government. Analysts note that oil revenues are a lifeline for Tehran, helping fund domestic programs and regional influence operations.

The details

According to officials familiar with the discussions, both leaders emphasized the need to apply 'maximum pressure' on Iran. A senior U.S. official said the two governments were aligned on stepping up efforts to curb Iranian oil sales to China. The strategy reflects Washington's broader objective of limiting Iran's financial capacity amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program and regional activities.

  • The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu took place on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The former prime minister of Israel.

China

The dominant buyer of Iranian oil, accounting for more than 80% of Iran's total exports.

Iran

The country whose oil exports to China the U.S. and Israel are seeking to reduce.

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What’s next

The development comes at a sensitive moment in U.S.-Iran relations, with American and Iranian diplomats recently engaging in indirect talks through Omani mediators focused on Iran's nuclear program. The discussions were seen as an attempt to explore whether diplomacy could be revived after years of strained relations and stalled negotiations.

The takeaway

The renewed focus on cutting Iran's oil exports to China signals that Washington is prepared to escalate economic measures in pursuit of its strategic objectives, even as diplomatic channels remain open. This move highlights the complex and potentially volatile phase in U.S.-Iran relations, with the combination of intensified economic pressure and heightened military readiness underscoring the high stakes involved.