Trump claims he is ‘permanently opening’ Strait of Hormuz; says China's Xi Jinping agrees not to supply weapons to Iran
Middle East tensions: US President Donald Trump has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that Beijing will not supply weapons to Iran, even as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to remain volatile.
Trump’s remarks come alongside a strongly worded post on his social media platform, where he claimed that China supports his move to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz open. “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — and the world,” Trump wrote, adding that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran.
He further suggested growing cooperation between Washington and Beijing, saying both sides are “working together smartly,” while also issuing a warning about US military strength if required.
In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump revealed that the assurance followed a direct exchange of letters between him and Xi. He said he had urged the Chinese leader not to provide military assistance to Tehran, to which Xi reportedly responded by denying any such involvement.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over Iran and the possibility of foreign military backing. Trump had earlier warned countries against supplying arms to Tehran, even threatening to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on those found doing so.
Despite Trump’s claims, earlier intelligence inputs had raised alarms over possible Chinese involvement. Reports citing US intelligence sources suggested that China was considering supplying air defence systems to Iran, including portable anti-air missiles, potentially routed through third countries to conceal their origin.
China, however, has rejected these allegations. Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Washington have maintained that Beijing has not provided weapons to any party involved in the conflict, calling such reports inaccurate.
Trump’s assertion of “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz comes even as the situation on the ground remains far from stable. The crucial maritime route, which handles a significant share of global oil shipments, has seen disrupted traffic in recent weeks.
This follows earlier actions by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which had impacted movement through the waterway. Although a temporary ceasefire is in place, shipping activity continues to operate below normal levels, raising questions over the US President’s claims.
Trump also indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran could resume soon, possibly within the week. Previous rounds of negotiations had ended without a breakthrough. Meanwhile, the United States has reportedly intensified pressure on Tehran through a naval blockade, affecting its maritime trade.
- With inputs from agencies
