Trump dismisses China's role in Iran war as Hormuz shipping hangs in balance

President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States does not need China's help to end the Iran war, dismissing Beijing's diplomatic role even as he boarded a flight for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The remarks came as Iran moved to consolidate control over the Strait of Hormuz — the chokepoint that normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil supply — through shipping agreements with Iraq and Pakistan, a development that has pushed Brent crude futures to $108 per barrel and accelerated consumer inflation in the United States to its highest annual rate in three years.

"I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise," Trump said before departing Washington for Beijing, according to The Korea Times. Asked whether economic strain on Americans was motivating him to strike a deal, he replied, "Not even a little bit."

Trump made clear that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — not household finances — was driving his calculus. "I don't think about Americans' financial situation," he said. "I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon."

Since the war began Feb. 28, Iran has struck deals with Iraq and Pakistan to route oil and liquefied natural gas from the region, tightening its grip on the strait's commercial traffic. An Iranian army spokesperson signaled the country intends to hold that position long-term, saying "After this war ends, there will be no place for retreat," according to The Korea Times. Iranian officials have said control of the waterway could generate revenue equal to twice Iran's annual oil income.

The International Energy Agency projected global oil supply would fall 3.9 million barrels per day in 2026 because of the war. More than 1 billion barrels of Middle East supply have already been lost to the conflict. A Chinese supertanker completed the third known transit of the strait since fighting broke out, carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found two-thirds of American voters believe Trump has not clearly explained why the country is at war with Iran. Consumer inflation accelerated in April, posting its largest annual gain in three years. On the same day, Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes killed 12 people, including two children.

Trump arrived in Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping. Energy analysts are watching the Strait of Hormuz closely for further disruptions to global oil flows.