Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Iran’s Trading Partners Face US Warnings Over Tehran Lifelines
The United States is warning countries that trade with Iran.
It says countries giving Iran economic help could face serious penalties.
China is Iran’s biggest oil customer.
The United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Iraq also have important trade or energy links with Iran.
Oman trades with Iran and has sometimes helped mediate between Iran and other countries.
Pakistan has both official and unofficial trade with Iran.
India mainly sends food products to Iran and describes those exports as humanitarian.
Armenia and Azerbaijan also use or maintain trade routes connected to Iran.
The warnings could make it harder for these countries to continue doing business with Iran.
China buys more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil, averaging 1.38 million barrels per day in 2025.
The United Arab Emirates accounted for 30% of Iran’s imports and 13% of its exports in 2024.
Turkey, Iraq and Oman maintain significant trade and energy relationships with Iran.
Pakistan’s informal trade with Iran is estimated at around $4 billion, while both countries aim for $10 billion in formal trade.
The United States has warned countries providing Iran with economic support of possible sanctions and other consequences.
- Who
- The United States, Iran and Iran’s trading partners, including China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iraq, Oman, Pakistan, India, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- What
- The United States has warned countries providing Iran with economic support, while reviewing new measures against Iran and its commercial partners.
- When
- The warnings followed United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s pledge to announce new-measure details on Monday; the article cites trade figures from 2024, 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- The issue involves Iran’s trade relationships across China, the Middle East, South Asia and the South Caucasus.
- Why
- The United States says countries providing Iran with “any type of lifeline” could face economic consequences, including possible secondary sanctions.
- China’s oil purchases
- More than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil goes to China; Kpler estimated average purchases of 1.38 million barrels per day in 2025.
- United Arab Emirates trade
- The United Arab Emirates accounted for 30% of Iran’s imports, worth $21 billion, and 13% of its exports in 2024.
- Turkey energy relationship
- Iran supplies 13% of Turkey’s gas imports, while Turkey exports manufactured goods to Iran.
- Iraq trade and energy
- Trade exceeded $10 billion in 2025, and Iraq pays Iran about $4–5 billion annually for natural gas.
- Oman trade
- Trade totaled $1.5 billion in 2025 and $345 million during the first four months of 2026.
- Pakistan trade
- Informal trade is estimated at around $4 billion, and the countries have commitments to expand bilateral trade to $10 billion.
- India trade
- Trade stood at $1.63 billion in FY2025/26, with Indian exports accounting for $1.3 billion, mainly in food and agricultural products.