Trump says China agreed not to send weapons to Iran, vows to permanently open Hormuz Strait

CAIRO – 15 April 2026: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran, pledging to “permanently open” the Strait of Hormuz for the world.

Trump’s remarks come while the US naval forces have imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since Monday in response to collapse of the first round of direct talks between the two sides since the war started on February 28.

The US military said it has intercepted several Iran-linked oil tankers since the blockade began earlier this week, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A US destroyer also stopped two oil tankers attempting to leave the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday, a US official was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Among vessels intercepted is the U.S.-sanctioned, Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry that was making its way back to the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also - And the World. This situation will never happen again,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social.

He said Beijing has “agreed not to send weapons to Iran” and that “President Xi will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks.”

His remarks come shortly after he told ABC News that negotiations with Iran could restart within days and potentially lead to an agreement.

Trump said the coming days could prove decisive, downplaying the need to extend a ceasefire with Iran that is set to expire on April 21.

“We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting???” Trump said in his post.

“BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to - far better than anyone else!!!”