China Halts US Sanctions on Refineries Buying Iranian Oil

 In May 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a court order to block US sanctions against five Chinese refineries accused of purchasing Iranian oil. Beijing described the 2026 US Treasury measures as violations of international law, directing firms to ignore these restrictions. This 2026 legal move aims to protect private refineries, which constitute 25% of China's refining capacity, ensuring energy security and economic stability amidst ongoing Spring 2026 geopolitical tensions.