Kevin Hassett, senior economic advisor to President Donald Trump, suggested on Sunday that China may soon feel pressure to rethink its close ties with Iran as the costs of the ongoing conflict continue to mount. Speaking on a political talk show, Hassett said Beijing’s strong economic relationship with Tehran is becoming increasingly costly due to the war’s impact on global energy markets and supply chains.
“China might want to reevaluate its relationship with Iran,” Hassett said. “They’re losing a lot of money right now. The oil situation is hurting them, and they’re starting to feel the pain just like everyone else.”
Hassett noted that while China has maintained strong economic ties with Tehran, the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and resulting high energy prices are creating significant challenges for Beijing’s economy.
“The Iranian economy is extremely on the ropes right now,” he added in the interview. “They’re having hyperinflation. They’re running out of food. Any leadership of any country that cares at all about its citizens should make a deal.”
When asked about the upcoming Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, Hassett indicated that Iran would be a key discussion point, with the US hoping China will use its influence to help push for de-escalation.
“We’re rebooting the relationship [with China],” Hassett said. “We have lots of time to get things done, but Iran is going to be part of that conversation.”
China has long been one of Iran’s most important economic partners, purchasing large volumes of Iranian oil even under US sanctions. However, the prolonged closure and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — combined with US sanctions on Chinese refineries buying Iranian crude — have complicated Beijing’s energy strategy.
Hassett’s comments come as President Trump prepares to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. Iran is expected to be a major topic of discussion, with the US pushing China to use its leverage to help bring Iran back to the negotiating table.
Some analysts believe China may be growing weary of the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, including higher global energy prices that are slowing its own economy. While Beijing has publicly supported Iran’s “legitimate rights,” it has also quietly urged Tehran to show flexibility in talks.
Hassett argued that a more pragmatic approach from China could help stabilize global markets and potentially open the door for broader US -China economic cooperation. The Trump administration views China’s influence over Iran as one of the few remaining levers that could help end the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and reduce energy prices that are hurting American consumers.This is a developing story as the Trump-Xi summit approaches later this week.
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