BEIJING/WASHINGTON-UNS : The ongoing Iran war has become the central issue during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China, where he is expected to urge Chinese President Xi Jinping to help push for an end to the conflict.
Despite a fragile ceasefire being in place for over a month, peace negotiations have shown little progress. The war has claimed thousands of lives, altered political alliances across the Middle East, and increased global oil and commodity prices.
Washington wants Iran to abandon its nuclear programme and stop restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial trade route that previously handled nearly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG shipments. Tehran, however, is demanding compensation for war damages, removal of US restrictions on Iranian ports, and an end to fighting involving Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
USIran Conflict Dominates Trump’s China Visit Amid Stalled Peace Efforts Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hopes Beijing will pressure Tehran to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf. He also warned that Chinese support for Iran could negatively affect US-China relations and trade discussions.
China remains a key buyer of Iranian oil and has continued shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz despite the conflict. Reports showed Chinese and Japan-linked oil tankers recently crossed the waterway, highlighting ongoing concerns about global energy security.
The war is also reshaping regional alliances. Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held secret talks with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the United Arab Emirates to strengthen cooperation. However, the UAE denied such meetings took place.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned Gulf nations against aligning with Israel, accusing them of helping create instability in the region.
Reports also suggested that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait carried out military strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq during the conflict.
US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are continuing, stressing that the US wants guarantees that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons.
