U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not believe Washington will require China’s assistance to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as diplomatic prospects for a lasting peace deal continue to weaken and Tehran tightens its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking ahead of a high-level summit in Beijing, Trump dismissed the need for Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene in efforts to resolve the conflict, which has disrupted maritime traffic through a route that typically carries about one-fifth of global oil shipments.
“I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’ll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise,” Trump told reporters.
More than a month after a fragile ceasefire was put in place, there has been little progress towards a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities between the two sides.
Iran has meanwhile strengthened its position in the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly securing arrangements with Iraq and Pakistan to transport oil and liquefied natural gas through the region, according to sources familiar with the developments.
Other countries are also exploring similar arrangements, raising concerns that Tehran’s influence over the strategic waterway could become more entrenched.
The Trump administration said senior U.S. and Chinese officials had previously agreed that no country should impose tolls on maritime traffic passing through the region, in an effort to present a unified stance ahead of the upcoming summit.
China, which maintains economic ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of its oil, did not dispute the U.S. account.
Trump is expected to discuss the Iran conflict with Xi during his meetings later this week, with Washington likely urging Beijing to encourage Tehran to negotiate an end to the war.
U.S. demands reportedly include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of its control over the strategic strait.
Iran, however, has issued counter-demands including compensation for war damage, lifting of U.S. restrictions, and an end to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, where allied forces are engaged in conflict.
Trump rejected those conditions, calling them “unacceptable”.
He also said domestic economic pressures in the United States would not influence his position on the conflict, despite rising inflation and growing public concern over the cost of living.
U.S. data showed inflation continued to rise in April, with increases in food, housing and airfare costs contributing to higher living expenses.
Trump, however, said his focus remained solely on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Brent crude oil prices surged above $107 per barrel amid concerns that the ongoing tensions could further disrupt global energy supplies, while U.S. Central Command reported continued naval operations in the region.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, maintained a defiant stance, with reports of expanded military activity and exercises in the area surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
