U.S. President Donald Trump returned from his China visit without achieving a breakthrough on the Iran issue, despite intensified diplomatic efforts. Speaking to reporters on his way back to Washington, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping supported reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, positions Beijing had previously expressed. Trump later wrote on his social media platform that U.S. military operations against Iran would continue.

According to U.S. administrative sources, the White House had planned to shape its next Iran strategy based on the outcome of the Trump–Xi meeting. With little progress, Trump now faces a decision on whether to launch new military strikes to halt the conflict. Internal divisions have emerged: some Pentagon officials favor targeted attacks to pressure Tehran, while others advocate continued diplomacy. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance claimed some negotiation progress, citing ongoing contacts with Trump’s envoys and Arab allies.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global oil prices, pushing U.S. gasoline above $4.50 per gallon and fueling inflation. Analysts warn that rising economic strain and the prolonged conflict could hurt Trump’s popularity ahead of the midterm elections.