Trump Says Xi Agrees Hormuz Must Reopen, But China Shows No Clear Commitment
U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although Beijing has given no clear indication that it will actively pressure Tehran to do so.
Speaking aboard Air Force One after two days of talks in Beijing, Trump said he is considering whether to lift U.S. sanctions on Chinese oil companies that continue purchasing Iranian crude. China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil amid the ongoing conflict.
Despite Trump’s remarks, Xi did not publicly comment on discussions related to Iran. China’s Foreign Ministry instead described the war as a conflict that “should never have happened” and has “no reason to continue,” without signaling direct involvement.
The Strait of Hormuz — a vital route that previously carried about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies — has been effectively closed since U.S. and Israeli strikes began in late February. The disruption has triggered what analysts describe as the largest oil supply crisis in modern history, driving global energy prices sharply higher.
Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, head of parliament’s national security committee, said Tehran has prepared a new mechanism to regulate shipping traffic through a designated route, which will be announced soon. He added that only commercial vessels cooperating with Iran would be allowed passage and that fees would apply for specialized services.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military said dozens of commercial ships have been redirected and several disabled to enforce its blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran has insisted it will not reopen the strait until Washington lifts its naval blockade.
Trump has warned that the United States could resume military strikes if Iran refuses to reach an agreement, underscoring the fragile state of diplomacy and the ongoing risks to global energy markets.
Source : Newsmaker.id
