In a significant development from the superpower summit in Beijing, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to work together to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to maintain the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement came during the final day of Trump's state visit to China, where the two leaders held extensive talks on bilateral and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Key Outcomes of the Trump-Xi Meeting

Trump and Xi met at the historic Zhongnanhai leadership compound, engaging in talks over tea before a working lunch. According to reports, the US president stated, "We feel very similar about how we want it to end. We don't want them to have a nuclear weapon." Trump also emphasized the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, which has been effectively closed by Iranian forces. The US president further warned that US forces could neutralise Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil terminal, in a matter of minutes, underscoring the military pressure on Tehran.

Xi reportedly offered to assist in the diplomatic process, stating that China is willing to help if possible. The Chinese leader's offer includes potentially influencing Iran to negotiate a deal, given China's role as a major buyer of Iranian oil and its strategic partnership with Tehran. However, Xi assured Trump that China would not provide military equipment to Iran, a statement that aligns with US concerns about Chinese support for the Iranian regime.

Trump's Ultimatum: Deal or Annihilation

In a Fox News interview aired after the first day of talks, Trump laid out a stark choice for Iran: "They're finished now; they can make a deal, or they will be annihilated." He reiterated that the US cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, adding that General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informed him that the US could neutralise Iran's Kharg Island in just "four or five minutes." The president also noted that Xi would like to see a deal between the US and Iran, and the Chinese leader expressed a willingness to help.

Trump's comments follow weeks of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the US and Israel conducting military operations against Iranian targets. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz closure causing oil prices to surge. The US has maintained that its objective is to recover highly enriched uranium from bombed nuclear sites, though Trump acknowledged that the surveillance alone might be sufficient.

Trade and Strategic Deals

Beyond the Iran issue, Trump and Xi focused on trade. Trump claimed to have made "fantastic trade deals" with Xi, including agreements in agriculture, aviation, and artificial intelligence. The US leader praised Xi as a "great leader" and "friend," noting that Xi likes the idea of buying more US oil to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. The two leaders also discussed Taiwan, with Xi warning against mishandling the issue. The summit appeared to maintain a fragile trade truce, with both sides signaling a willingness to avoid further escalation.

Modi's Five-Nation Visit

Amid the US-China talks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a six-day tour covering the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The trip aims to strengthen India's global partnerships, focusing on energy security, trade, and critical technologies. Modi's first stop was the UAE, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss energy cooperation and the West Asia crisis. The visit is seen as a strategic move to safeguard India's energy flows and expand its influence in the Gulf region.

Other Global Developments

Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon concluded the third round of peace talks at the US State Department, described as "productive and positive" by a State Department official. The talks, led by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, aim to establish a framework for an agreement. In a separate event, former US President Barack Obama defended the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it successfully removed 97% of Iran's enriched uranium without triggering a wider conflict.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, spoke at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, calling on countries to unite against US bullying and describing such practices as belonging in the "dustbin of history." He warned that empires in decline will stop at nothing to arrest their fate, alluding to the United States.

As Trump prepares to leave Beijing, the reaffirmed stance on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz signals continued US pressure on Tehran. The president's ultimatum leaves Iran with a stark choice: negotiate a deal under US terms or face military escalation. Whether Xi's mediation will bear fruit remains to be seen, but the summit has underscored the critical role of US-China relations in shaping global security.

Source: MSN News