China can buy oil from Iran, hope they buy more from US: Trump

June 24, 2025 (MLN): US President Donald Trump stated that China could continue purchasing oil from Iran following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump added he hoped China would also buy “plenty” of oil from the United States.

The remarks came after Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel and criticized both nations for early violations of the truce.

Earlier in his second term, which began in January, Trump had re-imposed “maximum pressure” on Iran, including sanctions targeting Chinese “teapot” refineries and port operators buying Iranian oil.

While lifting sanctions formally would require action by the Treasury, State Department, and Congress, the administration could choose not to enforce them, potentially increasing Iranian oil exports.

China, Iran’s top oil customer, has opposed US sanctions, calling them an abuse of unilateral power.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment, and the White House has yet to address Trump’s statement.

A surge in Chinese purchases of Iranian oil may strain ties with Saudi Arabia, a key US ally and the world’s top oil exporter.