CNN World - Key Iranian trading partner China rejects Trump’s ‘economic D-Day’ threat - Updated 4:05 PM EDT, Fri August 21, 2026

 CNN  World

Key Iranian trading partner China rejects Trump’s ‘economic D-Day’ threat

Updated 4:05 PM EDT, Fri August 21, 2026

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Iran unlikely to capitulate to Trump's threat of 'economic D-Day,' experts say

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Here's the latest

• Economic pressure: China pushed back today against US President Donald Trump’s threat of an “economic D-Day” against Iran, saying sanctions do not “fit the interest of any party.” Trump vowed “tremendous economic consequences” against countries that continue to do business with Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China, a major trading partner with Iran, to “get with the program.” But the US has little leverage over Beijing.

• Iran rejects Trump threat: Tehran also condemned the US president’s economic threat, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry warning that those who order or implement the levies “are liable to prosecution and punishment.”

• US carriers: The troubled USS Abraham Lincoln is on its way home, according to a source, after the USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to relieve the carrier. The journey to San Diego will take about a month.