Trump claims permanent reopening of Strait of Hormuz, cites China deal

President Donald Trump said he has secured a permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran, claiming China agreed not to supply weapons to Tehran. Trump made the announcement in a series of statements, saying Beijing was "very happy" with the move and that an understanding with Iran was reached in April. The claims come amid reports that Iran is considering a partial reopening of the waterway on the Omani side, and as China pressed Iran to keep the strait open in a call between top diplomats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked any deal with Iran to the end of uranium enrichment and the reopening of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a Chinese expert cited by state media suggested the US hint that the Iran conflict is "close to over" reflects the unsustainability of the US blockade and mounting domestic pressure. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and legal experts note the US and Iran have different interpretations of maritime law in the area.