US President Donald Trump said on May 16 that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran needs to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although China has not shown signs of directly putting pressure on Tehran.
Speaking on Air Force One after 2 days of talks in Beijing, Mr. Trump said he is considering the possibility of lifting sanctions against Chinese oil and gas companies that buy Iranian oil. China is currently Tehran's largest oil buyer.
When asked if Mr. Xi Jinping is committed to putting pressure on Iran, Mr. Trump replied: "I am not asking for any help, because when asking for help, I must respond with other help.
Iran almost blockaded the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel launched attacks on February 28. Previously, this shipping line transported about 1/5 of the global supply of oil and liquefied natural gas.
The disruption in Hormuz caused oil prices to rise sharply and created an unprecedented major energy supply crisis.
Mr. Trump emphasized in Beijing: "We don't want them to have nuclear weapons, we want the straits to be open.
The US has temporarily suspended attacks on Iran since last month but has imposed a seaport blockade. Tehran has declared that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington ends the blockade.
Iran continues to deny allegations of developing nuclear weapons and refuses to stop nuclear research or hand over enriched uranium stockpiles.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran has received signals from the US showing that Washington is ready to continue negotiations.
Speaking in New Delhi, Mr. Araqchi said Iran hopes the negotiations will achieve positive results to ensure complete security for the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime operations.
