Beijing, China. President Donald Trump said he does not think the United States will need China’s help to end the war with Iran, as hopes for a lasting deal faded and Iran tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump comments ahead of Beijing summit
Speaking ahead of a high-stakes summit in Beijing, Trump said he did not think he would need to enlist Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve the conflict, which has continued to block maritime traffic that normally provides one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
“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.
Ceasefire holds but no progress on ending hostilities
More than one month after a tenuous ceasefire took effect, the two sides have made no progress on an agreement to end hostilities.
Iran strengthens position over Strait of Hormuz
Iran has appeared to firm up its control over the Strait of Hormuz, cutting deals with Iraq and Pakistan to ship oil and liquefied natural gas from the region, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
Other countries are exploring similar deals, the sources said, a move that could normalise Tehran’s control of the waterway on a more permanent basis.
U.S. cites agreement with China on tolls
The Trump administration said on Tuesday that senior U.S. and Chinese officials had agreed last month that no country should be able to charge tolls on traffic through the region, in an effort to project consensus on the issue ahead of the summit.
China, which maintains ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of its oil, did not dispute that characterization.
Talks with Xi expected to cover U.S. demands
Trump is due to discuss the war with Xi during meetings scheduled for Thursday to Friday, and is widely expected to encourage China to convince Tehran to make a deal with Washington to end the conflict.
U.S. demands include ending Iran’s nuclear program and lifting its chokehold on the strait.
What do you think should be the priority in negotiations to end the conflict?