Trump signals rare alignment with China, saying Beijing backs open oil routes and denies supplying weapons to Iran.
President Donald Trump said China is “very happy” with US efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, claiming President Xi Jinping supports the move and has agreed not to send weapons to Iran.
In a post, Trump said reopening the key oil route is “for the world”, adding that Xi would be pleased with the outcome and that the two sides are “working together smartly.”
China denies military support to Iran
Trump revealed he had directly contacted Xi over concerns that China might be supplying weapons to Tehran. According to Trump:
- He sent a letter asking China to stop any support
- Xi responded in writing, denying those claims
- China is now aligned with keeping global trade routes open
This comes as Washington increases pressure on countries it believes are assisting Iran militarily.
Hormuz becomes central to global tensions
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical النفط routes, and has been at the center of recent conflict. Trump emphasized that keeping it open is essential for: global oil supply, trade stability, market confidence
He also claimed the situation is now under control and “will never happen again.”
Tariffs and threats still on the table
Despite the positive tone toward China, Trump maintained a hard stance overall. He warned that countries supplying weapons to Iran could face tariffs of up to 50%, signaling continued economic pressure alongside diplomacy.
Defending strikes on Iran
Trump also defended recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, arguing they stopped Iran from developing a nuclear weapon within weeks. He criticized the previous nuclear deal, saying it failed to properly limit Iran’s capabilities.
A mix of diplomacy and pressure. Trump is presenting a narrative where the US is working with China while confronting Iran, combining cooperation, threats, and military action. For markets, the key takeaway is simple:
If Hormuz stays open, energy risks ease. If tensions return, volatility follows.
Related: Trump says Iran has ‘no cards’ beyond Hormuz control
