Donald Trump has vowed to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, saying he made the decision after China agreed not to send weapons to Iran.
The US president initially announced the blockade of the vital waterway on Sunday after Pakistani-mediated talks failed to produce a peace deal with Iran.
US Central Command reported on Tuesday that American warships had effectively blocked all Iranian trade through the strait.
RT reports: On Wednesday, however, Trump stated in a Truth Social post that “China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz.” He added that “I am doing it for them, also – and the World.”
Trump went on to state that Beijing has “agreed not to send weapons to Iran,” and that Chinese President Xi Jinping “will give me a big, fat, hug when I get there in a few weeks.”
Trump is scheduled to pay a state visit to China on May 14, while Xi is expected to visit Washington for a reciprocal visit at a later date.
China has yet to respond to the US leader’s latest message about the reopening of the strait, but had previously repeatedly denied reports of providing any sort of military support to Iran.
Beijing had also accused Washington on Tuesday of “dangerous and irresponsible” behavior over its blockade of Iranian vessels.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to “enemy ships” in response to the US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28. Tehran has since demanded recognition of its “sovereignty” over the waterway and the right to impose tolls.