During a summit on September 25, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions concerning the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This meeting took place as Iran put forward a seven-day plan aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing regional tensions.
President Xi advocated for the United States and Iran to return to the June framework that had previously facilitated a temporary ceasefire, encouraging both nations to resume negotiations for a broader settlement. Iran expressed support for this proposal while simultaneously advancing its own seven-day peace initiative.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi detailed that the plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime traffic within a week, contingent on the United States’ acceptance. The proposal includes ending hostilities, lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen Iranian funds, and removing oil sanctions. Although the United States has not publicly accepted this proposal, it acknowledged that discussions through mediators have been constructive, particularly on nuclear issues.
Despite these discussions, Iran has maintained that it will not make concessions on its nuclear program, specifically regarding uranium enrichment. Meanwhile, President Trump cautioned President Xi against offering any form of support to Iran, either directly or indirectly. U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue confirmed that China assured the United States it was not aiding Iran.
The conflict has significantly disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened tensions across the Gulf region, including in Yemen and Lebanon. In response to the increasing regional security concerns, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have engaged in talks about enhancing military and intelligence coordination.