Trump says he is 'permanently opening' Strait of Hormuz after talks with China

SHAH ALAM - United States (US) President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz “permanently open” following reported talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, even as tensions with Iran escalated after a naval blockade was imposed on one of the world’s most critical oil routes.

Trump said this on his Truth Social platform, suggesting that diplomatic engagement with China had yielded commitments affecting the broader geopolitical situation involving Iran.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them and the world. This situation will never happen again.

“They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran. President Xi will give me a big fat hug when I get there in a few weeks.

“We are working together smartly and very well! Doesn't that beat fighting? But remember, we are very good at fighting, if we have to, far better than anyone else!” Trump wrote.

The remarks came ahead of an anticipated diplomatic summit in Beijing, where both leaders are expected to discuss trade relations and strategic resources, including rare earth minerals.

According to reports, the announcement followed a rapid escalation in the region, with the US imposing a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations with Iran collapsed over the weekend.

It was reported that blockade targeted a vital maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply transits and in the past 24 hours alone, US forces reportedly prevented six oil tankers from passing through the strait.

The Pentagon was also preparing to deploy an additional 6,000 troops aboard the USS George H W Bush and accompanying warships, signalling a potential expansion of military presence in the region.

Despite these developments, it remained unclear whether Trump’s declaration referred to the immediate reopening of shipping lanes or a longer-term diplomatic resolution.

China, which maintains close ties with Iran, had previously criticised the US blockade. Xi described the move as destabilising and warned against escalating global conflict.

He said the situation was “dangerous and irresponsible” and cautioned that the world must not “revert to the law of the jungle.”

China, alongside Russia, has been reported to support Iran during the ongoing conflict, including providing intelligence and satellite data. Following the US military action, Iran responded by restricting movement through the strait using naval mines, drones and fast-attack vessels.

Tehran also imposed de facto toll measures on oil tankers, allowing certain countries such as China and India preferential passage while placing pressure on Western shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically significant waterways globally, making any disruption highly consequential for energy markets and global trade.

The standoff has already triggered economic repercussions, particularly in energy markets.

It was reported that oil prices surged above US$100 per barrel, contributing to rising fuel costs in the US, where the national average reached approximately US$4.10 per gallon.

Trump had also indicated that a resolution could be imminent, suggesting progress may emerge within days.

“You are going to be watching an amazing two days ahead. They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They are gone, no longer with us.

“If I were not the President, the world would be torn to pieces,” he said.