U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he does not believe American efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Iran will require assistance from China, even as prospects for a durable peace agreement continue to weaken and tensions escalate over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking ahead of a high-level summit in Beijing, Trump downplayed the need to involve Chinese President Xi Jinping in efforts to resolve the crisis, which has disrupted key maritime routes responsible for a significant portion of the world’s oil trade.
“I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’ll win it one way or the other peacefully or otherwise,” Trump told reporters.
More than a month after a fragile ceasefire came into effect no substantial progress has been made toward a comprehensive agreement between the two sides. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz reaching arrangements with Iraq and Pakistan to facilitate the export of oil and liquefied natural gas from the region, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Reports further suggest that other countries are also exploring similar arrangements, a development that could gradually normalize Tehran’s influence over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
The Trump administration said senior U.S. and Chinese officials agreed last month that no country should impose transit fees on shipping through the Strait, an effort aimed at presenting a coordinated stance ahead of the upcoming summit. China, which maintains diplomatic ties with Iran and remains a major purchaser of its oil, did not dispute that position.
Trump is expected to discuss the Iran situation with President Xi Jinping during their meeting scheduled for Thursday and Friday with Washington likely urging Beijing to play a role in encouraging Tehran toward a negotiated settlement.
U.S. demands reportedly include the complete termination of Iran’s nuclear program and the easing of its control over the strategic waterway.
In response, Iran has put forward its own conditions, including compensation for wartime damage, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and an end to hostilities across multiple fronts. Trump dismissed these demands, describing them as “unacceptable.”
