President Donald Trump declared today that the U.S. will impose secondary sanctions on any nation or entity purchasing oil or petrochemicals from Iran, effectively barring them from doing business with the United States. The aggressive move signals a major escalation in Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump issued a stark warning:

"ALERT: All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW! Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form."

The announcement threatens to disrupt global energy markets, particularly affecting China, Iran’s top oil customer. Beijing has significantly increased its imports of discounted Iranian crude in recent years, despite existing U.S. sanctions.

Key Implications:

China in the Crosshairs: If enforced, the sanctions could trigger a new showdown between Washington and Beijing, further straining already tense trade relations.

Oil Market Volatility: Crude prices surged following Trump’s statement as traders weighed potential supply disruptions.

Nuclear Deal in Jeopardy: The move undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the Biden administration had sought to salvage.

Iran has not yet responded, but analysts expect a defiant stance from Tehran, possibly including accelerated nuclear activities or retaliatory measures. European allies, some of which still engage in limited trade with Iran, may also push back against the sweeping sanctions.

The Trump administration has taken an increasingly hardline approach toward Iran, and today’s threat marks a return to the "maximum pressure" campaign of his first term.

The Treasury Department is expected to issue enforcement guidelines in the coming days.

China and other major importers of Iranian oil will face a critical decision: comply with U.S. demands or risk economic retaliation.