Trump Signals Growing Impatience With Iran After Talks With Xi

Mintesinot Niggusie

The United States and China have agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for international shipping, as tensions rise in the Gulf following reports of a vessel seizure involving Iranian personnel near the United Arab Emirates.

According to a White House readout, the agreement was reached during talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both sides stressed the need to maintain stability in the strategic shipping lane used for global energy transport.

The White House said China opposed the militarisation of the Strait of Hormuz and rejected any attempt to impose tolls on its passage. It also said Xi indicated that Beijing would not supply military equipment to Iran.

“He said he’s not going to give military equipment, that’s a big statement,” Trump said in an interview aired on Fox News’ Hannity programme. Trump added that his patience with Iran was “running out” and urged Tehran to reach a deal quickly.

Energy considerations featured prominently in the discussions, with the White House saying Xi expressed interest in increasing Chinese purchases of US oil in order to reduce dependence on shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz.