During a summit on September 25, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the escalating conflict in the Middle East, as Iran proposed a seven-day plan to defuse tensions and reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz. This plan includes ending regional hostilities and resuming normal maritime traffic, conditional upon the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen funds, and removing oil sanctions.
Xi urged both the United States and Iran to return to the negotiation framework established in June, which had resulted in a temporary ceasefire, and to work towards a broader settlement. While Iran has shown support for this approach, it continues to advocate for its own peace plan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the seven-day plan could quickly restore stability in the region if accepted by the U.S. However, the United States has not publicly committed to the proposal. Officials stated that discussions through mediators remain positive, particularly concerning nuclear issues, although Iran remains firm on not making concessions related to its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment.
Amidst these diplomatic efforts, President Trump warned President Xi against providing support to Iran, whether directly or indirectly. U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue confirmed that China had assured the United States it was not assisting Iran.
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions throughout the Gulf, Yemen, and Lebanon. In response to these growing security concerns, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have been in talks to enhance military and intelligence cooperation.
