WASHINGTON/LONDON/BAGHDAD | President Donald Trump headed toward a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday with the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz moving closer to the center of global diplomacy.
Reuters reported that Trump said he does not think China’s help is needed to end the conflict with Iran, even as he prepares for talks with Xi. The comment came as hopes for a lasting peace deal appeared to weaken and as Tehran increased its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway central to global oil flows.
The Strait of Hormuz is not simply a military flashpoint. It is an energy artery. Reuters reported that the maritime traffic affected by the standoff normally accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Any prolonged disruption can move prices far beyond the region, affecting fuel costs, shipping, inflation expectations and political pressure in importing countries.
According to Reuters, Iran has pursued shipping arrangements with Iraq and Pakistan involving oil and liquefied natural gas, while other countries have explored similar deals. Those arrangements could make Tehran’s influence over the waterway harder to reverse if they become part of a new practical order for Gulf shipping.
The United States wants Iran to end its nuclear program and loosen its grip on Hormuz. Iran has demanded an end to the war, compensation for damage, an end to the U.S. blockade and broader relief connected to regional fighting. Trump rejected those positions Monday, and there is no clear sign that the two sides are close to a settlement.
China’s role is delicate. Beijing maintains ties with Tehran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil, but it also has an interest in open shipping lanes and stable energy prices. That gives Xi potential leverage, even if Trump publicly says he does not need Chinese help. The summit may therefore test whether Washington and Beijing can find even limited cooperation on a conflict layered over trade, technology and Taiwan tensions.
Additional Reporting By: Reuters; Associated Press