THE HAGUE – President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may soften its enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran to help the country recover after years of conflict and economic pressure. Speaking at the NATO Summit, Trump said Iran would need financial support to rebuild, and the US is willing to consider that.
“They’re going to need money to put that country back into shape. We want to see that happen,” Trump said when asked about the future of oil sanctions on Iran. However, he emphasized that the US has not officially ended its “maximum pressure” campaign.
Just a day earlier, Trump stated that China could continue buying Iranian oil following the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Although the remark raised eyebrows, the White House later clarified that this does not mean sanctions have been lifted.
Under Trump’s policy, the US had previously imposed strict sanctions on Chinese port operators and independent oil refineries, known as “teapots,” for buying Iranian oil. These sanctions were part of efforts to cut off Tehran’s main revenue source.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told CNBC that the president’s comments were meant as a positive signal to China. “It’s a way of saying we want to work with you and not damage your economy,” Witkoff explained. China has remained Iran’s top oil customer and has consistently opposed the US-led sanctions.
The US now hopes this gesture will not only improve ties with China but also encourage Iran to take constructive steps toward rebuilding. The message appears to be one of cautious diplomacy, signaling a possible shift in approach without officially lifting sanctions.