# How China and Russia could hobble Trump’s plans to isolate Iran

https://mins.news/en/item/27454

- Al Jazeera, 2026-08-20 14:55 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/20/how-china-and-russia-could-hobble-trumps-plans-to-isolate-iran?traffic_source=rss

> Analysts say Iran’s extensive trade with China and Russia could make Trump’s effort to isolate Tehran difficult. The US president has threatened severe economic penalties against countries helping Iran evade sanctions, but China’s limited dependence on the US financial system and Russia’s existing sanctions status constrain Washington’s leverage.

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