China Meets Iran as Trump Pauses Hormuz Operation

Senior officials from China and Iran met in Beijing on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily paused American efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing negotiations over the Gulf conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.

The meeting marked Araqchi’s first visit to China since the conflict began and highlighted Beijing’s growing diplomatic role in the crisis.

Trump pauses US naval operation in Hormuz

Trump announced Tuesday that the United States would temporarily suspend its latest operation aimed at guiding commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

The president said the decision came after requests from Pakistan and other countries, along with what he described as “great progress” in negotiations with Tehran.

The White House did not provide additional details about the talks or confirm whether a formal agreement is close.

Trump also insisted the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place despite the operational pause.

Strait of Hormuz remains critical to global economy

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas exports.

Iran’s restrictions on maritime traffic through the waterway have disrupted global energy markets and increased fuel prices worldwide.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hopes China will pressure Tehran to reopen the strait completely.

Rubio described the U.S. operation as defensive and intended to protect civilian shipping trapped in the region.

“They’re sitting ducks,” Rubio said about stranded commercial crews during a White House briefing.

Ceasefire holds despite renewed attacks

Although U.S. officials described the ceasefire as largely intact, tensions remain high across the Gulf region.

The United Arab Emirates reported another wave of Iranian drone and missile attacks Tuesday. Emirati officials said no casualties or major damage were reported during the latest incident.

Earlier attacks reportedly caused fires at energy facilities and injured several foreign workers.

Meanwhile, Iran denied launching recent attacks against the UAE.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine said the latest clashes have not escalated into full-scale combat operations.

Shipping companies remain cautious

Despite U.S. efforts to reopen maritime traffic, major shipping companies continue avoiding the strait.

German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd AG said conditions remain too dangerous for normal operations.

Only two U.S.-flagged commercial ships have reportedly used the American-controlled route through the strait so far.

Shipping companies remain concerned about attacks, naval mines, and Iranian inspections near the Iranian coastline.

Iran warns pressure campaign is far from over

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Tehran has not fully responded to U.S. actions in the Gulf.

“We have not even begun yet,” Qalibaf wrote on social media.

The statement reflected ongoing uncertainty despite diplomatic efforts involving China and Pakistan.

Analysts say China’s involvement could become increasingly important because of its close economic relationship with Iran and its interest in restoring stability to global energy markets.