China denounces U.S. threat to shut down Iranian airlines worldwide

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on one outlet that forthcoming American sanctions are expected to shut down all Iranian airlines around the world within a few days. Beijing's foreign ministry, through spokesperson Guo Jiakun, rebuked the move as an illegal unilateral action lacking UN Security Council approval. China affirmed its consistent opposition to such sanctions.

The dispute arises just before President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in the United States. Both sides highlighted the broader geopolitical stakes of the sanctions threat. No concrete measures have been implemented yet, but the rhetoric signals heightened tension over Iran. The situation underscores the fragile interplay between U.S. pressure on Tehran and Chinese diplomatic positioning.