Iran Says China and Iran Are ‘Ignoring and Humiliating’ the United States

TEHRAN — A senior Iranian official declared on Sunday that Iran and China are “ignoring” and “humiliating” the United States, escalating rhetorical attacks on Washington even as Tehran simultaneously pursues fresh diplomatic negotiations through Pakistani mediators .

The statement by Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei aligns with Beijing’s pushback against US sanctions on Iranian oil and its legal protection of Chinese refiners from American penalties . The “humiliation” charge refers to the fact that the US has been unable to force China to cut off energy imports from Iran, and that Chinese companies continue to purchase Iranian crude without fear of secondary sanctions .

Baghaei, speaking in a televised interview, was reacting to the Trump administration’s proposal that China reduce its oil purchases from Iran in exchange for trade concessions .

“What they are doing today, this humiliation, this ignoring. They propose that China stop buying oil from Iran so that China can continue to have a good relationship with the United States. But reality has shown that China—along with Iran—is ignoring and humiliating the United States.”
— Esmail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman

🇨🇳🇮🇷 The ‘Ignore’ Strategy: Oil Trade and Sanctions Defiance

Baghaei’s remarks come just days after China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a formal injunction blocking US sanctions on five Chinese refineries that purchase Iranian crude, branding the penalties an illegal “extraterritorial” overreach .

Chinese purchases of Iranian crude remain a key economic lifeline for Tehran—reportedly totaling hundreds of millions of barrels since the war began—despite the US naval blockade.

Baghaei argued that China’s rejection of Washington’s demand to cut oil imports amounts to strategic defiance, a signal that the United States cannot dictate the terms of Global South trade relationships. The fact that China has been able to ignore the US naval blockade in the Persian Gulf by paying for oil via non-dollar mechanisms (including crypto) adds to Iranian claims that American sanctions have been rendered ineffective .

🗣️ Domestic Audience: Projecting Strength Amid Blockade

The remarks are also directed at an Iranian domestic audience. The rial has crashed to record lows, gasoline prices have spiked, and the US naval blockade continues to strangle Iran’s oil exports. Baghaei’s statement is a morale booster, arguing that Iran is not isolated but is part of a “resistance bloc” that includes the world’s second-largest economy.

By claiming Iran is “humiliating” the US, Baghaei is appealing to hardliners who argue that the regime should not compromise in ongoing nuclear negotiations. This claim of “humiliating the US” is a familiar theme. Iran’s state media has repeatedly portrayed the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the lack of a swift victory in the Iran war as evidence of American decline .

Washington has yet to officially respond to Baghaei’s comments. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to travel to the Vatican and Italy this week, declined to comment when asked by reporters .

📋 Key Takeaways at a Glance

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