‘Trump and Xi agree Hormuz must be free, open’ – US official

China and the U.S. are aligned on a number of key issues, including ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, according to a White House official.

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are reportedly in agreement that Iran must end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and allow the free and safe passage of commercial vessels through the critical waterway, according to an American official.

Trump is currently visiting China, where he is expected to meet privately with Xi on Friday to discuss several major issues, including the ongoing crisis caused by Iran’s closure of the strait following the launch of Operation Epic Fury in late February.

Trump and Xi “agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy,” a White House official speaking anonymously told the New York Post on Thursday.

“President Xi also made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait in the future,” the source added.

Additionally, the leaders reportedly expressed concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” the official said.

Beijing has often opposed harsh Western sanctions on Iran and has repeatedly called for diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontation. China has also worked with Iran through broader regional and international partnerships, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS bloc.

Recent reports have alleged that Chinese weapons manufacturers are preparing transfers to Iran through third parties and shell companies designed to obscure the origins of the shipments. Those reports have fueled concerns among Western officials that Beijing may be quietly expanding support for Tehran amid the ongoing regional conflict.