US President Donald Trump has said he plans to hold detailed talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the ongoing Iran conflict during his visit to China this week, though he insisted Washington does not need Beijing’s help to handle the crisis.
Speaking before departing the White House, Trump said the United States was fully capable of dealing with Iran “peacefully or otherwise” and claimed the situation was under control. His visit marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in more than six months at a time when tensions remain high over trade disputes and the Middle East conflict.
Trump is arriving in Beijing while diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war remain stalled. China continues to maintain close ties with Tehran and remains one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil. Washington has been urging Beijing to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement with the US.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was still active despite questions over the absence of a formal written agreement. He said the pause in fighting was evident on the ground while negotiations continued.
The conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, has already cost Washington nearly $29 billion, according to Pentagon officials. The war has also disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, causing concerns in international energy markets.
