Al Jazeera published an analysis stating that China will not comply with US sanctions against Iran, citing China's ability to circumvent sanctions and the alignment of non-compliance with its national interests. The article claims that China purchases 90% of Iran's oil exports, circumventing US sanctions through a "dark fleet" and "teapots" (independent refineries). A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that China would "resolutely safeguard its own rights and interests." Furthermore, trade settlements between China and Iran are largely conducted in RMB or through barter, making them less susceptible to US extraterritorial jurisdiction. The analysis suggests that Iran's failure would harm China's geopolitical and energy interests in the Middle East, but China also maintains a "calibrated distance" from Iran to balance its relationship with the US and avoid excessive support.