Bloomberg: US Iran blockade targets China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered his country's assistance in resolving the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Ukraine's experience from the Russian blockade of the Black Sea. In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky stated, "The Strait of Hormuz is blocked, and we want to unblock it. We already have experience from the blockade of the Black Sea." He clarified that the United States has not yet asked for Ukraine's help. The offer highlights how the global energy crisis caused by the blockade is drawing in unexpected international actors.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly and explicitly stated that China will be cut off from Iranian oil under the blockade, confirming the strategic target.
Treasury Secretary Bessent provided new details on the sanctions enforcement strategy, specifically mentioning outreach to Chinese banks and cooperation from Gulf allies on financial intelligence.
Bessent explicitly stated that China will no longer be able to get oil from Iran.
Bessent specifically mentioned that Gulf allies are now more willing to share information on Iranian regime bank accounts, and confirmed outreach to Chinese banks.
Bessent explicitly warned China it will not be able to get Iranian oil, and provided data that China buys over 90% of Iran's oil, about 8% of China's total annual purchases.
Bessent provided new specifics, stating China had been buying over 90% of Iran's oil, which made up roughly 8% of China's total annual oil purchases.
Bloomberg report explicitly states the blockade's 'real purpose' is to harm China due to its reliance on Hormuz oil.
Ukrainian President Zelensky publicly offers Ukraine's assistance based on its Black Sea blockade experience, noting the U.S. has not yet requested help.
