<p>Beijing says it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to protect its interests as US steps up efforts to isolate Tehran</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/25/trump-us-economic-sanctions-china-biggest-buyer-iran-oil">Explainer: could US sanctions threaten China-Iran ties?</a></p></li></ul><p>China has denounced the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/24/us-severe-sanctions-economic-ties-iran">threat of US sanctions for its trade with Iran</a>, saying