The US has launched a significant sanctions blow against Iran and China's oil trade network, targeting the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic weapon. These sanctions simultaneously attack Iran's financial evasion system and China's support network, intensifying Tehran's economic pressure. This action represents a move on behalf of the entire alliance system, aiming to coerce the IRGC into surrendering its nuclear program and abandoning its regional ambitions.
An Iranian lawmaker stated that China, India, and Japan are paying transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz, despite US sanctions, indicating continued international demand for Iranian energy. This demonstrates that despite mounting pressure, global markets are still receiving Iranian oil. The US has warned of severe sanctions, but several countries are proceeding with payments.
Countries like China, India, and Japan are paying transit fees to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and continue purchasing Iranian oil despite US sanctions. An Iranian lawmaker stated that international demand for Iranian energy persists despite mounting pressure. The Iranian parliament is working on plans to formalize a policy of charging fees to all vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
The US has escalated the US-Iran crackdown on oil by sanctioning Hengli Petrochemical, accused of buying Iranian oil. The move highlights China's role as a major buyer of Iranian oil, despite previous avoidance due to US sanctions. This has led to a decline in Hengli's stock and increased caution among trading partners.
Rising tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran are increasing risks of supply chain disruptions and sanctions for semiconductors. Major US hyperscalers' slowing AI infrastructure spending and strengthened US-China export controls are clouding Nvidia's demand outlook and pushing the price of its China-focused B300 chips to nearly 7 million yuan. Ongoing volatility in the Middle East continues to threaten global technology supply chains.