U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be 'permanently open,' only hours after imposing a naval blockade on Iran. Trump said the decision followed a secret discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming China agreed to halt arms supplies to Iran. Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that China was pleased with the move and that it served both nations and the world. He added that Xi would give him a 'warm embrace' at their upcoming meeting and that both countries were working well together.

Earlier, Trump had ordered the blockade to pressure Iran back into negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, carrying about one-fifth of global crude supplies. Iran responded by disrupting shipping and pressuring oil tankers, triggering volatility in global energy markets and rising fuel prices in the United States. The U.S. military reportedly halted six oil tankers within 24 hours.

Beijing criticized the blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible,' while a mid-May summit in Beijing is planned to address trade tariffs and critical minerals. It remains unclear whether Trump’s new declaration takes immediate effect or forms part of ongoing peace talks.