Exposed: How China Helps Iran Evade Sanctions Through Multibillion-Dollar Oil Scheme

A network of Chinese petrochemical refiners is behind an upswing in the importation of illicit Iranian crude oil, providing the hardline regime in Tehran with at least $22 billion in revenue since President Joe Biden took office. Chinese refiners known as teapots, which are semi-independent and not state-controlled, are primarily responsible for "funding this illicit and uniquely lucrative trade" with Iran, according to information obtained by United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), an advocacy group that works to expose those who help Tehran to evade economic sanctions.