Pressure On China To ‘Intensify’ Over Iranian Oil Imports, Says US Envoy

China will face increased pressure to slow down its imports of Iranian oil, according to US envoy for Iran Robert Malley. “We have been in contact with the Chinese authorities, and we will continue to take steps to sanction those who are involved in the import of Iranian oil,” Mr Malley told Bloomberg TV, adding the US will “intensify” talks with China to curb its imports of Iranian oil, saying the talks have been going on for several months. Iran’s oil exports increased in the past year despite a reinvigorated crackdown by the US. According to tanker trackers from United Against Nuclear Iran, China accounted for almost 71% of Iran’s exports in 2022. Iran’s oil exports surged in December to 1.2m-1.4m barrels per day, according to Vortexa and UANI. The US State Department has been approached for comment. Mr Malley’s interview on January 23 came after the US sanctioned more Iranian entities it accused of brutally repressing Iranian protestors.