Trump Signals Urgency on Iran as Xi Jinping Agrees to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Rising Tensions

US President Donald Trump has expressed growing impatience with Iran amid escalating tensions in the region. During discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict and the implications of a recent ship seizure by Iranian forces off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The White House confirmed that Trump and Xi reached a consensus on the importance of maintaining open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway has been effectively closed by Iran in retaliation for US-Israeli military actions that commenced on February 28, leading to significant disruptions in global energy supplies. China, a key ally of Iran, remains its largest oil purchaser.

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall

The United States temporarily halted its military operations against Iran last month but initiated a blockade of Iranian ports. Negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict have stalled, primarily due to Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear program or reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium.

Trump stated that he is unwilling to extend his patience further, emphasizing the necessity for Iran to negotiate a deal. He remarked that securing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is more of a public relations concern than a strategic necessity.

Indian Cargo Ship Sunk Near Oman

In a related incident, an Indian cargo vessel transporting livestock from Africa to the UAE was sunk off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. The Indian government condemned the attack, confirming that all 14 crew members were rescued by the Omani coast guard. According to Vanguard, a British maritime security advisory firm, the vessel was likely struck by a missile or drone, resulting in an explosion. Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that unauthorized personnel had boarded a ship anchored near Fujairah and were steering it toward Iran.

Vanguard noted that a company security officer indicated that the vessel was taken by Iranian personnel while at anchor. Following the discussions between Trump and Xi, the White House stated that both leaders agreed on the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Xi reiterated China’s opposition to militarizing the strait and any attempts to impose tolls for its use. Trump highlighted that Xi assured him that China would not supply military equipment to Iran.

Diplomacy on Hold

As the conflict continues, Trump is keen to secure Chinese support to mitigate the electoral repercussions of the war, especially with the US midterm elections approaching in November. However, analysts remain skeptical about Xi’s willingness to exert pressure on Iran or withdraw military support, given Iran’s strategic significance as a counterbalance to US influence.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking from Beijing, indicated that China would likely take steps to facilitate the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Diplomacy has stalled since both Iran and the US rejected each other’s recent proposals.

Fujairah, the UAE’s only oil port located just outside the Strait of Hormuz, allows some shipments to bypass this critical chokepoint. Iran appears to be negotiating with various countries to permit certain vessels to transit the strait under its terms. A Japanese tanker successfully crossed on Wednesday after Japan’s Prime Minister requested assistance from the Iranian president.

Iran Claims More Ships Passing Through Key Waterway

On the same day, a large Chinese tanker also navigated through the strait, and Iran’s Fars news agency reported that an agreement had been established to allow some Chinese vessels passage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that 30 ships had traversed the strait since Wednesday evening, a notable increase compared to the typical 140 vessels that crossed daily before the onset of the conflict.

According to shipping analytics firm Kpler, approximately 10 ships passed through the strait in the past 24 hours, compared to the five to seven that had been crossing daily in recent weeks.

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Published on 2026-05-15 13:53:00 • By the Editorial Desk