US President Donald Trump has claimed that China has agreed “not to send weapons to Iran” and declared he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz, framing both as personal diplomatic achievements.
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — And the World,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday, claiming he had written to President Xi Jinping requesting restraint on arms transfers.
The assertion marks a significant shift in Trump’s public framing of the Hormuz situation. Previous statements described the US naval enforcement and ceasefire in temporary terms, but “permanently opening” suggests he is now claiming ownership of Hormuz access as an enduring achievement.
China has not publicly confirmed any weapons pledge. Earlier this month, Beijing formally denied supplying weapons to Iran, though Trump subsequently imposed 50 percent tariffs on countries supplying arms to Tehran, with China explicitly named.
The claim contradicts Iran’s stated position that Hormuz access remains conditional. Iran’s FM Baghaei indicated flexibility on enrichment but has not conceded on Hormuz sovereignty, while the Pakistan-mediated talks continue to address the strait’s future.
For energy-importing nations like Sri Lanka, a genuinely permanent reopening would stabilise fuel supply and ease the rationing measures currently in effect. However, the fragility of the ceasefire suggests Trump’s framing may be premature.
