Beijing threatened to retaliate against the US and signaled it won't back away from cooperation with Iran after the Trump administration's latest sanctions targeted businesses in China and Hong Kong. Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian gave China's first official reaction to measures announced by Washington, saying China opposes unilateral sanctions and warning they risk worsening conflicts.

The most urgent task is to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations, he said, emphasizing diplomatic solutions over punitive measures.

The sanctions, which mark the latest escalation in US-Iran tensions, target entities involved in bilateral trade and energy cooperation. China, a major buyer of Iranian oil and key trading partner, has repeatedly resisted US pressure to cut ties with Tehran.

Bloomberg News reported the developments as part of ongoing coverage of US-China-Iran geopolitical dynamics.