By Elsie Kamsiyochi
President Donald Trump has signaled growing frustration with Iran, warning that his patience is wearing thin as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global stability. Speaking after two days of high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump said both leaders agreed that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz must remain open to global shipping.
During remarks aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump insisted he was not asking China to pressure Iran on America’s behalf, emphasizing that he did not seek political “favours” from Beijing. However, he suggested that he and Xi shared concerns over Iran’s recent actions, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Trump’s comments came as international concerns deepen over the growing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The president claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, although he hinted that further action remained possible.
“We’ve essentially wiped out their armed forces,” Trump said, adding that the United States “may have to do a little cleanup work” if tensions continue.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the crisis. Iran effectively restricted shipping access after U.S.-Israeli military attacks began in late February, triggering severe disruptions to global energy supplies. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for governments and markets worldwide.
Trump reiterated that Washington’s key objectives remain preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and restoring normal maritime traffic.
“We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon, and we want the straits open,” Trump said while appearing alongside Xi during meetings in Beijing.
Although Trump described his discussions with Xi as productive, China offered little public indication that it plans to intervene directly with Tehran. Beijing’s foreign ministry instead issued a statement criticizing the conflict itself, saying the war “should never have happened” and arguing there was no justification for it to continue.
China remains a crucial player because it is the largest purchaser of Iranian oil. Trump revealed he is considering whether to ease U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies importing Iranian crude, saying a decision could come within days. Such a move would mark a significant shift in Washington’s economic approach toward Beijing and Tehran amid the ongoing crisis.
The White House also claimed Xi opposed any Iranian attempt to charge tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and had indicated China would not supply Iran with military equipment. Trump called that commitment “a big statement,” suggesting it represented a potentially important diplomatic breakthrough.
Still, analysts remain skeptical over how far China is willing to go. Beijing has historically maintained close ties with Tehran and may be reluctant to pressure Iran too aggressively, viewing the country as a strategic counterbalance to U.S. influence in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran says it remains open to diplomacy — but deeply distrustful of Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had received signals that the United States may still be willing to continue negotiations, despite months of military escalation and failed diplomatic efforts. Speaking in New Delhi, Araqchi expressed hope that renewed talks could eventually secure the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal shipping activity.
“We hope that with the advancement of negotiations, we will reach a good conclusion so that the Strait of Hormuz can be completely secured,” he said.
However, Iranian officials remain cautious. Araqchi stressed that Iran no longer trusts the United States after previous diplomatic efforts were interrupted by military strikes. Tehran, he added, is prepared for both renewed warfare and continued negotiations if talks move forward.
Iran continues to deny accusations that it seeks to build nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the country has refused to halt nuclear research or surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, a major sticking point for the Trump administration.
Trump made clear that time may be running out for diplomacy.
“I’m not going to be much more patient,” he said during a television interview. “They should make a deal.”
Financial markets are already reacting to the uncertainty. Oil prices climbed roughly 2%, reaching around $108 per barrel amid fears that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could create a major energy shock. Rising energy costs have also sparked concerns over inflation, with investors increasingly expecting the U.S. Federal Reserve may face pressure to raise interest rates.
The wider regional situation also remains fragile. Fighting linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has reignited concerns of a broader Middle East conflict, while ceasefire negotiations involving Israel and Lebanese officials continue under heavy international pressure.
For now, diplomacy remains alive, but Trump’s latest warning signals a hardening tone from Washington. With Iran refusing to back down, China remaining cautious, and global energy markets under pressure, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the crisis moves toward negotiation — or deeper confrontation.
Source Reuters
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