China has sharply criticised U.S. sanctions targeting Iran-linked entities, calling them illegal and a misuse of power. Beijing warned Washington to stop what it described as “bully tactics” and vowed to protect its companies. The response comes after the U.S. moved against Chinese firms allegedly linked to Iranian oil trade, triggering a fresh geopolitical flashpoint. As tensions escalate across the Middle East and beyond, China’s strong pushback signals a widening global divide over sanctions, sovereignty and economic warfare, raising concerns about deeper confrontation between major powers in an already volatile region.