US and Israeli leaders align on pressuring Iran by targeting its crucial oil exports to China, which Beijing defends as legitimate trade.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed the US would work to reduce Iran’s oil exports to China.

The agreement was reached during a White House meeting, according to an Axios report citing two US officials briefed on the issue.

“We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China,” a senior US official was quoted as saying.

China’s foreign ministry responded by defending its trade with Iran.

“Normal cooperation between countries conducted within the framework of international law is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected,” a ministry spokesperson said.

China is the dominant buyer of Iranian crude, accounting for more than 80% of Iran’s oil exports.

Any successful reduction in this trade would significantly lower oil revenue for Tehran.

The discussion on oil sanctions occurred amid broader tensions and diplomatic manoeuvres concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

US and Iranian diplomats held talks on the nuclear issue through Omani mediators last week.

This diplomatic effort followed the US positioning a naval flotilla in the region.

The American military is preparing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran.

 The Sun Malaysia