Trump-Xi summit to focus on Iran and Hormuz tensions

US President Donald Trump announced that Iran and energy security in the Gulf region will be among the main topics during his two-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Speaking before departing the White House, Trump said the United States and China would hold “a long talk” about Tehran, adding that Xi had so far acted “relatively well” regarding tensions tied to the Strait of Hormuz and global oil shipments.

China’s role in Iranian oil trade

China remains the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil, purchasing the overwhelming majority of Tehran’s exports despite ongoing US sanctions. Recent reports indicate that Beijing has encouraged several Chinese refineries to continue operations involving Iranian oil even after new American sanctions were introduced earlier this month. The move highlighted growing friction between Washington and Beijing over energy routes, sanctions policy and Middle East diplomacy.

Trump nevertheless dismissed suggestions that China’s intervention was necessary to resolve the standoff with Iran. “We’ll handle Iran one way or another,” he told reporters, signaling that Washington still sees itself as the leading actor in negotiations and regional security efforts.

Strait of Hormuz remains critical

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, has remained central to international concerns since the conflict disrupted energy markets across the Middle East. Trump noted that oil shipments through the passage had continued without major interruption, an issue closely watched by global markets including European energy importers.

Earlier on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and called for stronger diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. According to Chinese and Pakistani statements, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining the current ceasefire and protecting commercial navigation through the Gulf corridor.

Pakistan pushes for renewed diplomacy

Pakistan has continued to position itself as a mediator between Washington and Tehran after brokering a temporary ceasefire on April 8. Islamabad later hosted senior delegations from both countries for direct negotiations, though the talks ended without a final agreement.

Diplomatic contacts have continued in recent weeks as both Iran and the US exchange proposals aimed at restarting formal negotiations. The conflict has already affected global energy supplies, increased uncertainty in international markets and deepened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.