Trump, Xi Discuss Iran War as Iran Pushes 7-Day Hormuz Plan
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping turned their attention to the escalating Iran conflict during their summit on Friday, as Tehran pressed Washington to consider a seven-day plan to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic moves came as the nearly seven-month conflict continued to disrupt oil flows through the Middle East and draw in major regional and global powers.
China has a major interest in the uninterrupted flow of Middle Eastern oil, while threats to shipping around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks linked to the wider conflict have disrupted one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Xi Calls for Return to June Framework
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi urged the United States and Iran to return to the framework agreement reached in June, which had produced a short-lived ceasefire.
Xi also called for continued negotiations aimed at reaching a broader settlement.
Trump, meanwhile, raised China’s relationship with Iran during his discussions with Xi.
US Ambassador to China David Perdue said Trump made clear that any direct or indirect Chinese assistance to Iran — including intelligence, parts or military equipment — would be unacceptable to Washington.
Perdue said China assured the United States that it was not providing such support.
Iran Offers Seven-Day Plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran had conveyed a concrete seven-day proposal to Washington through Qatar.
Under the proposal, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime passage within seven days if the necessary conditions were met.
Araqchi said the seven-day period would begin once the United States accepted the proposal.
Washington had not publicly responded to the offer at the time of the report, although a US official said discussions through mediators were continuing and described them as positive and constructive.
What Iran Wants
The proposed framework would go beyond reopening the waterway.
According to Reuters, Tehran’s proposal would involve wider negotiations and an end to hostilities, while Iran is seeking measures including an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports, access to frozen funds and relief from oil sanctions.
A separate Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would not make concessions on its nuclear programme even if an agreement were reached.
Trump has repeatedly said Iran must not develop nuclear weapons.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, making its disruption a major concern for global oil markets.
The conflict has already affected shipping and energy flows, while attacks involving Iran and its regional allies have widened the security crisis beyond Iran itself.
The diplomatic activity around the United Nations General Assembly has therefore taken on wider significance, with Qatar helping facilitate contacts between Washington and Tehran.
Wider Regional Pressure
The conflict has also intensified around Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Iran-aligned Houthi forces have continued attacks in the region, while Saudi Arabia’s partners have moved to strengthen cooperation with the kingdom.
Defence officials from Turkey and Pakistan met in Riyadh on Friday to discuss security, intelligence cooperation and military coordination, according to Saudi authorities.
The United Nations children’s agency also warned of worsening child malnutrition in Yemen as fighting intensifies.
Trump and Xi
The immediate focus is on whether Washington will respond positively to Iran’s seven-day proposal and whether mediators can turn the offer into a broader negotiating framework.
For China, the conflict also presents an economic and diplomatic challenge because of its dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies and its relationship with Tehran.
For the United States, the discussions with Beijing add another layer to an already complex conflict involving Iran, Israel, Gulf states and other regional actors.
For now, the diplomatic process remains open, but no comprehensive agreement has been announced.
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