Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Vance Says China May Help US Isolate Iran Economically
The United States is trying to make it harder for Iran to earn and move money around the world.
The effort is called Operation Economic Outcast.
Vice President JD Vance said China may be willing to help with the plan.
He also said China and the United States still disagree about some important policies.
Vance clarified that China has not agreed to everything Washington wants.
He said several other countries may also be helping, sometimes privately.
The United States says the campaign is meant to protect ships and keep energy supplies moving.
American officials also say they want to stop Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities, while military, diplomatic and covert options remain possible.
Vice President JD Vance said China is willing to cooperate with US efforts to economically isolate Iran.
Vance described China as more responsible than Iran but acknowledged continuing US-China disagreements.
He said Beijing is not complying with every US request and did not specify its actions.
Vance named Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states as supporting the campaign.
He said economic, military, diplomatic and covert options remain available as the US seeks to protect shipping, energy supplies and prevent Iran from rebuilding nuclear capabilities.
- Who
- The United States, Vice President JD Vance, China, Iran and other countries identified by Vance as supporting the campaign.
- What
- The United States is pursuing Operation Economic Outcast to economically isolate Iran, while seeking Chinese and other countries’ cooperation.
- When
- Vance made the remarks on Thursday; Operation Economic Outcast was announced the previous month, and the reported conflict began on February 28.
- Where
- Vance spoke at a White House media briefing in Washington, DC; the campaign also concerns shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- The US says it wants to penalize Iran for attacks on commercial shipping, protect energy supplies and prevent Iran from rebuilding nuclear capabilities.
- Campaign
- Operation Economic Outcast
- US economic objective
- Cut Iran off from international financial networks and restrict revenue streams that Washington says support the Iranian government.
- Vance’s assessment of China
- China is more responsible than Iran but is not complying with every US request.
- Targeted activities
- Oil networks, sanctions evasion, shipping, technology and digital assets.
- Other countries cited
- Türkiye, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states.
- US-stated objectives
- Protect commercial shipping, keep global energy supplies moving and prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons power.
- Additional options
- Vance said economic, military, diplomatic and covert pressure remain available.
