U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and Xi Jinping are broadly aligned on the Iran crisis, warning that Tehran must quickly agree to a deal over its nuclear program and regional tensions or risk further consequences.
Speaking after high-level talks in Beijing during his state visit to China, Trump said both leaders agreed that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz should remain open to global shipping.
“We feel very similar about Iran,” Trump said during remarks following the summit, adding that Washington’s patience with Tehran was “running out.”
Focus on Iran Dominates Trump-Xi Talks
Although trade, tariffs and Taiwan were also major agenda items during the summit, the worsening Middle East crisis emerged as one of the most sensitive issues discussed between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump claimed the two leaders had reached a shared understanding that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz a critical global oil transit route after disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict triggered fears of a wider energy crisis.
China is one of Iran’s largest oil buyers and has significant economic leverage over Tehran, leading Washington to push Beijing to use its influence to encourage renewed negotiations.
However, Chinese officials stopped short of publicly endorsing Trump’s tougher rhetoric. Beijing instead reiterated calls for a ceasefire, diplomacy, and stability in the Gulf region.
Trump Signals Pressure Campaign Could Intensify
Trump suggested Tehran faces a narrowing window to reach an agreement with Washington.
“I’m not going to be much more patient,” Trump said in comments reported by several outlets, warning Iran could either “make a deal” or face devastating consequences.
The U.S. president also hinted he may reconsider sanctions imposed on Chinese companies accused of purchasing Iranian oil, saying the issue was discussed directly with Xi and a decision could come within days.
Analysts say the comments may reflect an attempt by Washington to use economic incentives to encourage China to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
Tehran Remains Skeptical
Iranian officials have continued to express distrust toward the United States despite reports of indirect diplomatic contacts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi recently said Tehran has “no trust” in Washington and accused the U.S. of escalating tensions while simultaneously calling for talks.
The conflict has already caused severe disruption to global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply amid concerns over shipping routes through the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of the world’s oil exports, making any instability in the waterway a major concern for global markets and governments alike.
China’s Role Under Global Scrutiny
While Trump portrayed the summit as evidence of growing U.S.-China cooperation on Iran, observers noted that Beijing remains cautious about appearing too closely aligned with Washington’s strategy.
China has consistently opposed military escalation in the Middle East while emphasizing diplomacy and economic stability. Still, U.S. officials believe Beijing’s dependence on Gulf energy supplies gives it a strong incentive to help stabilize the situation.
The Trump-Xi summit concluded without a formal joint statement on Iran, but both sides indicated discussions would continue in the coming weeks.
Global Markets Watching Closely
Investors and world leaders are closely monitoring whether Washington, Beijing and Tehran can avoid further escalation.
Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could deepen pressure on global fuel supplies and inflation, especially as many economies remain vulnerable to energy shocks.
Trump insisted progress had been made during the Beijing talks, declaring that the U.S. and China had “settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to settle.”
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