Trump's Iran Policy: China Targeted, Pakistan Caught in the Middle, Billions at Stake

• US President Trump supports Iranian protestors, aiming for regime change without military intervention, and has announced a 25% tariff on trade with Iran.
• China, Iran's largest trading partner, faces a 25% tariff on its US exports if it continues to buy Iranian oil, potentially losing billions and jeopardizing its Belt and Road Initiative.
• China's $400 billion investment in Iran over 25 years, including the Caucasus–Iran–Pakistan Oil Pipeline, is at risk if Iran falls under US influence.
• Pakistan, with $3 billion annual trade with Iran, faces a 25% tariff on its US exports if it continues trade, severely impacting its fragile economy.
• Pakistan is in a dilemma: reducing trade with Iran means losing cheap energy and regional connectivity, while continuing trade risks US tariffs and choosing between US and China.

Why It Matters: Trump's Iran policy targets China's energy security and trade routes, while leaving Pakistan in a difficult economic and geopolitical bind.