China Blocks U.S. Sanctions on Iranian Oil Refiners, Signaling Deeper Defiance in Energy and Trade Confrontation

China has issued an injunction blocking enforcement of U.S. sanctions against five domestic refiners involved in purchasing Iranian crude, escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. This move signals a direct challenge to Washington’s sanctions regime and demonstrates Beijing’s willingness to defend domestic firms. The decision reflects China’s priority in securing discounted crude supplies from sanctioned producers like Iran.