US pulls China punches in Iran ‘economic D-Day’ sanctions

China warned of reprisals against possible United States sanctions as the Trump administration launched “economic D-Day” in a bid to isolate Iran following six months of military conflict. “China will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard its rights and interests,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Tuesday. Economic warfare would “only serve to fuel tensions and lead to risk spillover”, he said. The US on Monday demanded countries take “immediate action” to cut economic