Trump rules out sanctions on Chinese banks over Iran trade

In new comments on Thursday, President Donald Trump clarified the US position on potential secondary sanctions, stating explicitly that Washington will not impose sanctions on Chinese banks for doing business with Iran. This marks a shift from his previous, more evasive stance on the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Trump also commented on Russia, saying any potential action against Moscow would depend on the circumstances and expressed his belief that President Vladimir Putin would not attack a NATO member country.

He also confirmed that the CIA Director had recently visited Russia to meet with his counterpart, but specified that the director was not sent to deliver any special message.

President Donald Trump on Thursday personally confirmed the United States is not engaged in talks with Iran, stating his focus remains on economic pressure against Tehran. "We don’t want to speak to them. We’re not looking to meet or anything," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

His comments reinforce the White House's stated policy of using its "Operation Economic Outcast" to damage Iran's economy.

When asked about other countries continuing business with Iran, Trump offered contrasting views. He said Russia has "behaved quite well" concerning the Strait of Hormuz. However, regarding potential sanctions on Chinese banks for their dealings with Iran, he was evasive, stating, "Who said I’m not? You don’t know if I’m doing it… I don’t have to announce everything, do I?"

The statement comes as an Iranian official described the US measures as an "all-out economic war."