Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (File Photo)

China opposes US threats of sanctions against countries trading with Iran, saying Beijing`s cooperation with Tehran is conducted in accordance with international law and should not be disrupted.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday in response to questions about the latest US sanctions against Iran.

"China is closely monitoring the developments," Lin said, stressing that Beijing would take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

The comments came a day after the United States announced sanctions against 60 individuals, entities and vessels as part of efforts to further pressure Iran`s economy.

The United States unveiled the new wave of illegal sanctions against Iran under the so-called "Operation Economic Outcast," threatening secondary penalties against any country or entity maintaining trade ties with Tehran in a failed attempt to achieve through economic coercion what its military aggression could not.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced the new "economic terrorism" campaign, absurdly comparing it to the D-Day Normandy landings of World War II.

Bessent claimed the measures target Iran`s financial networks worldwide and warned that no partner is beyond Washington`s reach.

He said the Trump administration has identified entities dealing with Iran and will impose deadlines for them to cut ties or face exclusion from the US dollar system.

The new measures expand secondary sanctions risks in areas such as digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, while sanctioning around 60 entities, individuals and vessels helping facilitate Iranian trade.

The announcement comes amid clear signs of American desperation after months of unsuccessful military offensive and a naval blockade that has failed to break Iran`s resolve.

China, Iran`s largest trading partner, has already rejected the approach. Beijing`s embassy in Washington stated that "sanctions and pressure do not help resolve the problem" and called for political and diplomatic solutions instead.

Beijing has also repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and maintained that its economic and trade cooperation with Iran is conducted in accordance with international law.