Donald Trump said his patience with Iran was “running out” following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and fresh tensions involving shipping activity near the Strait of Hormuz.
The remarks came after the White House announced that Trump and Xi had agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to global shipping during talks held in Beijing on Thursday.
The strategic waterway was effectively disrupted after Iran responded to US-Israeli military strikes launched on February 28, causing major concern over global oil and energy supplies.
China, one of Iran’s closest partners and a major buyer of Iranian oil, reportedly made clear during the summit that it opposed military control of the strait or any attempt to impose tolls on vessels using the route.
In an interview aired on Fox News’ “Hannity”, Trump warned Tehran that Washington’s patience was wearing thin as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme remained stalled.
“I am not going to be much more patient. They should make a deal,” he said.
Trump also claimed Xi had assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.
“He said he’s not going to give military equipment, that’s a big statement,” Trump added.
The US had paused direct attacks on Iran last month but maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, while diplomatic efforts have stalled after both sides rejected each other’s latest proposals.
Washington is demanding that Tehran halt uranium enrichment activities and surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, while Iran continues to insist on sanctions relief, compensation for war-related damage and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, maritime tensions in the region continued to escalate.
An Indian cargo vessel transporting livestock from Africa to the United Arab Emirates was reportedly sunk off the coast of Oman after being struck by what security analysts believe may have been a missile or drone attack.
All 14 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities.
Separately, British maritime security agencies reported that “unauthorised personnel” had boarded a ship anchored near Fujairah in the UAE before steering it towards Iran.
A British maritime advisory firm later claimed the vessel had been seized by Iranian personnel while at anchor.
Despite heightened tensions, some ships have reportedly resumed crossing the Strait of Hormuz after agreements were allegedly reached between Iran and several countries, including China and Japan.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that 30 vessels had passed through the strait since Wednesday evening, although that figure remains significantly lower than normal pre-war traffic levels.
The conflict and ongoing disruption in the Gulf region have continued to place pressure on global oil markets while increasing fears of wider instability across the Middle East.
