By Elsie Kamsiyochi
U.S. President said Chinese President agrees that Iran must reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route disrupted by months of conflict. However, despite Trump’s confident remarks, there is little indication that China is prepared to actively intervene or pressure Tehran into action.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday after completing a two-day diplomatic visit to Beijing, Trump described his discussions with Xi as productive, particularly regarding the worsening crisis involving Iran. According to the U.S. president, both leaders agreed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for global economic stability, especially as soaring energy prices continue to shake international markets.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict earlier this year, Tehran has effectively shut down parts of the waterway, triggering severe disruptions to global shipping and contributing to one of the most significant energy supply crises in modern history.
Trump suggested that Xi shares Washington’s concerns about the strait remaining blocked. Yet when asked directly whether China had agreed to apply pressure on Iran, Trump stopped short of saying Beijing had made any firm commitments.
“I’m not asking for any favors,” Trump said, adding that diplomatic relationships involve mutual expectations. His comments appeared to imply that while discussions with China were constructive, no formal agreement was reached regarding Beijing’s role in resolving the standoff.
China, the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil, remains deeply tied to Tehran economically. Trump hinted that Washington may reconsider sanctions imposed on Chinese companies purchasing Iranian crude, signaling a potential shift in policy if China cooperates diplomatically. Such a move could become a major bargaining chip in broader U.S.-China relations.
However, China has publicly taken a more restrained stance. While Xi himself has not commented publicly on his conversations with Trump about Iran, China’s foreign ministry criticized the war and argued that the conflict should never have begun in the first place. Beijing emphasized that there is “no reason” for fighting to continue but avoided any direct commitment to mediating or pressuring Iranian authorities.
Meanwhile, Iran appears to be preparing a controlled reopening system for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, who chairs parliament’s national security committee, announced that Tehran has designed a mechanism to regulate shipping routes. Under the proposal, commercial vessels and countries viewed as cooperating with Iran would be granted passage, while fees would reportedly be imposed for specialized services.
The conflict has already caused devastating humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. Thousands of Iranians have reportedly been killed in joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes since military operations began earlier this year. Fighting has also spilled into neighboring regions, including Lebanon, where clashes involving the Iran-backed group Hezbollah intensified before a temporary ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon reduced tensions.
The United States has paused direct attacks on Iran in recent weeks but intensified economic and military pressure through a naval blockade. U.S. officials say dozens of commercial vessels have been rerouted, while several ships have been disabled in efforts to enforce restrictions around Iranian trade routes.
Tehran insists it will not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless Washington lifts its blockade measures. Iranian officials argue that U.S. actions amount to economic warfare and accuse Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts. At the same time, Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear program is peaceful, rejecting accusations that it seeks nuclear weapons despite refusing to halt uranium enrichment activities.
Trump, however, has remained firm on the issue. During his visit to Beijing, he emphasized two clear U.S. objectives: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and restoring freedom of navigation through the strait.
“We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. We want the straits open,” Trump declared while appearing alongside Xi.
Despite escalating tensions, diplomatic channels remain partially open. Iranian Foreign Minister said Tehran has received messages suggesting Washington may still be interested in negotiations. However, he stressed that Iran has little trust in the United States following previous airstrikes that interrupted diplomatic progress.
Pakistan has reportedly stepped in as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, hosting discussions aimed at reviving peace talks. Though details remain limited, regional diplomatic efforts appear to be intensifying behind closed doors.
At home, Trump faces mounting political pressure as the prolonged Iran conflict becomes increasingly controversial ahead of U.S. congressional elections later this year. Rising oil prices — climbing to around $109 per barrel — have added economic strain, fueling concerns among voters and businesses alike.
Trump recently admitted he is “losing patience” with Iran and warned Tehran to make a deal soon or risk renewed military action. Yet negotiations remain stalled, with both Washington and Tehran rejecting recent proposals aimed at ending the conflict.
Inside Iran, the government has cracked down heavily on dissent during the war. Iranian authorities reported dozens of executions tied to alleged espionage, terrorism, and unrest-related charges since hostilities began. Rights organizations have raised alarms over the growing crackdown, warning that political freedoms have sharply deteriorated amid wartime tensions.
As global powers weigh their next moves, the crisis surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continues to threaten international energy markets, diplomatic relations, and regional stability.
While Trump portrays China as aligned with U.S. concerns, Beijing’s cautious response suggests that any meaningful intervention may still be far from reality.
Source Reuters
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