US pressures China to curb Iran ahead of Trump's visit

Ahead of President Donald Trump's crucial visit to China, the United States is intensifying its diplomatic and economic pressure on Beijing to take a more assertive stance against Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington believes that China, a major energy consumer heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, has a vested interest in ensuring the free flow of maritime traffic.

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China must tell Iran that its actions are causing global isolation and that Iran is the villain in this issue.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explicitly urged China, during Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's visit, to convey a clear message to Tehran: its disruptive behavior in the strait is leading to global isolation and that Iran itself is the primary antagonist. This diplomatic push aims to leverage China's influence to de-escalate tensions in a region vital to global energy security. The U.S. is also working to prevent China and Russia from exercising veto power over any UN Security Council resolutions condemning Iran's actions.

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Iran's cessation of strait blockades is in China's interest.

While the U.S. seeks China's cooperation, the article notes that Beijing is unlikely to fully comply, given its long-standing ties with Iran and its role as a supplier of dual-use industrial components. Reports suggest China may have even considered transferring weapons to Iran during the recent conflict, despite President Trump's claims of an agreement to the contrary. The U.S. has responded with sanctions against Chinese firms involved in transporting Iranian oil, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as Washington attempts to isolate Tehran.

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We urge China to support us in this international operation to reopen the strait, which has been blocked due to Iran's threats of attack.