Washington

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is “very happy” over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, even as Iran maintains that movement through the key shipping route will remain under its strict control.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said he is looking forward to his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping, which has been rescheduled to May due to developments linked to the conflict involving Iran. The visit was earlier planned for April.

“President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening. Our meeting in China will be special and potentially historic. Much will be accomplished,” Trump wrote.

The remarks come amid escalating diplomatic exchanges after Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf criticised Trump on X, following his statement that the US naval blockade on Iranian ports would continue until a full agreement is reached.

Ghalibaf asserted that maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz would be regulated by Tehran, with passage allowed only through approved routes under Iranian supervision.

Trump, however, reiterated in another post that the US blockade on Iranian ports will remain in place until a comprehensive deal is finalised.

“The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect with respect to Iran until our agreement is 100% complete,” he stated.

The developments follow Iran’s announcement regarding the reopening of the strategic waterway, linked to a 10-day ceasefire involving Israel and Lebanon. While commercial shipping has resumed, the US has maintained that pressure on Iran—both economic and military—will continue.

Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to visit China for talks with Xi Jinping on May 14–15. The meeting was postponed earlier due to US military operations involving Iran.

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In a previous Truth Social post, Trump had said the meeting would now take place in Beijing and confirmed plans for a later reciprocal visit by Xi and his wife to Washington.