Trump asserts that Xi supports the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but China is hesitant to confirm this.
Trump claims that Xi is in favor of reopening the Strait of Hormuz; however, China has not provided any confirmation or official commitment regarding this matter.
US President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping had concurred on the necessity for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; however, Beijing has yet to verify this stance or commit to any direct involvement.
After returning from Beijing on Friday, where he engaged in two days of discussions with Xi, Trump stated that he was considering the possibility of easing US sanctions on Chinese companies that import Iranian crude. China continues to be the foremost buyer of Iranian oil exports.
“I’m not seeking any favors, because once you begin asking for favors, you find yourself in debt to them,” Trump stated to reporters on Air Force One. One was questioned about whether Xi had consented to urge Tehran to reopen the crucial shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz, an essential global energy passage that previously managed approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply, was effectively shut down after US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The disruption has led to a substantial upheaval in global energy markets, resulting in a notable increase in oil prices.
Since the escalation began, tens of thousands of casualties have been reported across the region, including in Iran and Lebanon, where fighting has intensified between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.
Last month, Washington paused its military operations but implemented a naval blockade aimed at Iranian ports. Tehran has maintained that it will not reopen the strait unless the blockade is lifted, while Trump has cautioned that US strikes could resume if no agreement is reached.
“We don’t want them to possess a nuclear weapon; we want the strait to remain open,” Trump stated during his remarks in Beijing alongside Xi.
Iran, asserting that its nuclear program is peaceful, has consistently dismissed requests to cease enrichment activities or relinquish its stockpiles of enriched uranium, a position that has escalated tensions with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran has received indications from Washington implying that the US is willing to pursue further negotiations.
“We are optimistic that advancements in discussions will result in a favorable resolution, allowing for the complete security of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of normal maritime traffic,” he stated to reporters in New Delhi.
In an interview with Fox News’ Hannity, Trump expressed his mounting frustration with Tehran and urged Iranian leaders to reach an agreement.
On Friday, global oil prices increased by approximately 3%, reaching around $109 per barrel, as market concerns regarding stalled diplomacy persisted. US Treasury yields have risen to their highest level in nearly a year, indicating expectations that the Federal Reserve might further tighten monetary policy.
Attempts to resolve the conflict have come to a standstill since last week, as both Washington and Tehran dismissed each other’s recent proposals, making the situation politically delicate for Trump in light of the forthcoming US congressional elections.
Iranian officials express their willingness for diplomatic engagement and welcome China’s involvement. However, Araqchi emphasized that Tehran harbors significant distrust towards the US due to past failures in negotiations and renewed military actions.
