The conflict, which began at the end of February after U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran, has dragged on for more than two months and caused serious disruption to international trade and energy markets.
One of the most sensitive flashpoints has been the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which roughly 20 % of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas used to flow before the war began. Iran’s closure of the strait in retaliation for attacks has driven up global energy prices and drawn warnings from governments worldwide.
On May 14, Trump and Xi held talks that focused largely on how to stabilize the situation. According to U.S. officials, both leaders agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump used the summit to urge China, one of Iran’s closest economic partners and a major buyer of Iranian oil to push Tehran toward ending the conflict and respecting global trade routes.
Despite these high‑level discussions, progress toward peace has been limited. Diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire or broader settlement have stalled, with Iran demanding sanctions relief, recognition of its sovereignty, and compensation for damage caused by the war.
The United States, for its part, insists that Iran abandon its nuclear program and give up enriched uranium stockpiles. The deadlock has frustrated negotiators and extended uncertainty about how and when the war might end.
The Iran war’s ripple effects are already being felt beyond the Middle East. Rising energy costs have put pressure on consumers around the world, while shifting alliances in the Gulf have begun to reshape regional geopolitics.
The United States and China, despite their rivalry, find common cause in wanting to stabilize the situation even as deep disagreements remain about how best to achieve peace.
Analysts say Trump’s China visit highlights the limits of diplomacy in a conflict that has grown increasingly complex, involving not just regional parties but global economic and security concerns. For now, the world watches as talks remain stalled and the search for a lasting peace continues.
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