US Punishes Iran's Shopping Network but Leaves Chinese Firms Alone

On August 25, 2026, the US punished nearly 60 Iran-linked groups involved in nuclear, missile, cyber, and oil activities. Two firms based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen were named as go-betweens — companies that buy restricted goods on Iran's behalf. Yet Reuters confirmed no Chinese companies made the list, raising questions about whether Washington is avoiding a fight with Beijing.