Trump and Netanyahu Target Iran’s Oil Exports to China as "Maximum Pressure" Meets Geneva Diplomacy

In a coordinated escalation, President Donald Trump and PM Benjamin Netanyahu agreed during their White House summit to intensify economic sanctions, specifically targeting Iran’s oil sales to China. With over 80% of Iranian crude flowing to Beijing, Trump’s executive order—threatening 25% tariffs on trade partners of Tehran—aims to force concessions ahead of the second round of high-stakes talks in Geneva this coming Tuesday.

While both leaders share the goal of a non-nuclear Iran, their tactics diverge: Netanyahu remains skeptical of any "good deal," while Trump signaled a "let’s try" approach to diplomacy. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will lead the Geneva negotiations, facing an Iranian side that refuses "zero enrichment." This diplomatic push is backed by a reinforced U.S. naval presence, signaling that Washington is prepared for "severe measures" should the talks fail.