Beijing (TDI): US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran is “running out” following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, as tensions escalate over maritime security and ongoing regional conflict.
Speaking in a televised interview, Trump said Iran should “make a deal” and warned that he would not remain patient much longer. His remarks came shortly after a meeting with Xi, during which the two leaders reportedly agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to global shipping.
According to the White House, both leaders expressed concern over disruptions to the strategic waterway, which has seen significant instability since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran and US-Israeli forces earlier this year. China, which maintains close ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil, also signalled opposition to militarizing the strait and to any attempts to impose tolls on shipping.
Trump said Xi had assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran and had shown interest in increasing purchases of US oil, partly to reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes. He also reiterated that both sides agreed Iran should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
The US president further commented on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, suggesting that while its removal may not be technically necessary, he personally preferred it be secured for what he described as “public relations” reasons.
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Meanwhile, tensions in the region have intensified following multiple maritime incidents. A cargo vessel carrying livestock from Africa to the United Arab Emirates was sunk off the coast of Oman earlier in the week, with maritime security analysts suggesting it may have been struck by a missile or drone. All crew members were reportedly rescued.
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Separately, reports emerged of a ship anchored near the UAE port of Fujairah being boarded by unidentified personnel and steered toward Iranian waters. A maritime security firm stated that Iranian forces were believed to have taken control of the vessel.
Fujairah, located on the Gulf of Oman just outside the Strait of Hormuz, is a key oil export hub that allows some shipments to bypass the narrow shipping chokepoint.
