US Iran sanctions test China-Trump summit diplomacy

Dual-narrative framing: presents both US justifications for sanctions (terrorism funding, nuclear proliferation) and China's legal objections, while emphasizing the diplomatic tightrope Washington must walk. Uses military metaphor ('economic D-Day') from US official but contextualizes it.

US attempting to maintain Iran containment strategy while avoiding direct confrontation with China ahead of high-level talks. China reasserting sovereignty over economic partnerships and resisting US unilateral pressure. Iran increasingly isolated but sustained by Chinese support. Trump administration signaling selective enforcement to preserve negotiating leverage with Beijing.

Similar to Cold War-era US sanctions strategy against Soviet allies—targeting secondary actors while avoiding direct confrontation with major powers to preserve diplomatic channels. Echoes 2018-2019 Iran sanctions escalation before Trump's maximum pressure campaign.

Consumers may face higher energy prices if sanctions effectively reduce Iranian oil supply, though the measured approach targeting smaller entities limits immediate disruption. Chinese consumers could see increased costs if China-US trade tensions escalate post-summit.

US strategy reflects calculated escalation—avoiding major Chinese banks to preserve diplomatic leverage for September summit while signaling resolve on Iran. China likely to retaliate selectively or increase Iran support through non-sanctioned channels. Potential for broader China-US trade tensions if summit negotiations fail.