February 15, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
In a development with potentially broad economic and geopolitical repercussions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed that the United States should exert pressure on Iran to reduce its oil exports to China, according to a report by U.S. news outlet Axios citing officials familiar with discussions at a recent White House meeting.
The agreement, reached during talks at the White House earlier this week, reflects a coordinated strategy between Washington and Jerusalem aimed at tightening the economic screws on Tehran by targeting its core source of revenue — oil sales — which are overwhelmingly directed to the Chinese market. China currently purchases more than 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports, making it a critical lifeline for the Iranian economy.
Targeting Iran’s Oil Revenue
U.S. and Israeli officials have described the potential reduction of Iranian oil shipments to China as a key element of a broader pressure campaign against Tehran. Cutting this revenue stream — which fuels government spending and supports Iran’s regional proxies — would represent a significant escalation in economic coercion. While no formal policy has yet been announced, officials said the approach reflects “maximum pressure” objectives agreed upon by both leaders.
Diplomacy and Military Posturing
The reported agreement comes at a time when diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran has been cautiously ongoing, with Iran and U.S. diplomats conducting indirect nuclear talks through mediators in Oman. However, U.S. positioning of a naval flotilla in strategic regional waters suggests that negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of credible military posturing and readiness for sustained operations if diplomacy falters.
China’s foreign ministry has yet to publicly respond to the suggestion that its oil purchases from Iran should be reduced — a sensitive matter, given Beijing’s longstanding energy ties with Tehran. Any movement to curtail these purchases would not only diminish Iran’s export earnings but also potentially complicate China’s energy security strategy.
Wider Implications
Analysts warn that an international push targeting Iranian oil flows could have cascading effects: it might further strain U.S.–China relations at a moment of already tense geopolitical competition, impact global oil markets, and prompt Tehran to ramp up diplomatic efforts elsewhere. The strategy aligns with long-standing U.S. policy objectives to curb Iran’s regional influence, but also raises questions about economic repercussions and the durability of global energy supply chains in a highly interconnected market.
As these diplomatic and strategic discussions evolve, the world will be watching how Beijing, Tehran, and Washington navigate the intersecting pressures of energy politics, security concerns, and broader Middle East stability.