The White House said Trump and Xi agreed during meetings in Beijing that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open and that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, as maritime incidents near the strategic waterway intensified pressure on global oil markets.

Trump, speaking in an interview aired Thursday on Fox News, urged Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington after diplomatic efforts to end the conflict stalled.

“I am not going to be much more patient,” Trump said. “They should make a deal.”

The comments came as Iran continued restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S.-Israeli attacks that began on Feb. 28 and triggered one of the most severe disruptions to global energy flows in decades.

China, Iran’s largest oil customer and a close strategic partner, has emerged as a key diplomatic player in efforts to stabilize the region and restore shipping traffic through the narrow maritime chokepoint, which previously handled about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The White House said Xi opposed further militarization of the strait and rejected any attempt to impose transit tolls on vessels using the route.

Trump also said Xi assured him China would not provide military equipment to Iran and expressed interest in increasing Chinese purchases of American oil to reduce dependence on Gulf shipping lanes.
On the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, Trump suggested securing the material was more politically symbolic than strategically essential.

“I don’t think it’s necessary except from a public relations standpoint,” Trump said during the interview.
Meanwhile, maritime security concerns escalated further after an Indian cargo vessel carrying livestock from Africa to the United Arab Emirates sank off Oman on Wednesday following what security analysts said was likely a missile or drone strike.

India said all 14 crew members were rescued by Oman’s coast guard and condemned the attack.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that unauthorized personnel boarded a vessel anchored off the UAE port of Fujairah and steered it toward Iranian waters.

Security consultancy Vanguard said the ship was believed to have been seized by Iranian personnel while at anchor.

Despite the disruptions, Iranian authorities indicated they were permitting limited shipping traffic through the strait under negotiated arrangements with selected countries.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said 30 vessels had passed through Hormuz since Wednesday evening, although shipping levels remained far below pre-war averages.
Shipping analytics firm Kpler estimated that roughly 10 vessels crossed the strait during the past 24 hours, compared with about 140 vessels on a typical day before the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled after Tehran and Washington rejected each other’s latest proposals last week.

Washington is demanding Iran surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium and halt further enrichment activities, while Tehran is seeking sanctions relief, compensation for war-related damage and recognition of its control over the strait.

A senior U.S. admiral told a Senate committee on Thursday that Iran’s ability to threaten neighboring countries and American interests had been “significantly degraded” by the conflict, though reports indicate Tehran retains substantial missile and drone capabilities.

The conflict has also reverberated across the wider region, including renewed instability involving the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Monday, Vance said the United States had clearly defined its “red lines” during negotiations held over the weekend in Pakistan, where he led a U.S. delegation in discussions with Iranian officials.“I really think the ball is in the Iranian court, because we put a lot on the table,” Vance said, adding that the U.S. position leaves no room for flexibility on key issues.

He identified two core demands: U.S. control over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the establishment of a robust verification mechanism to ensure Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons capability. “It’s one thing for the Iranians to say that they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.

It’s another thing for us to put in place the mechanism to ensure that’s not going to happen,” he said.The talks in Islamabad marked the highest-level engagement between the two sides in years but ended without an agreement to halt the more than five-week conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran.

Vance said that, as part of a two-week ceasefire agreed last week, Washington also expects Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been effectively closed by Iranian forces.

Despite the lack of a deal, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue discussions, with diplomatic efforts ongoing through intermediaries to prevent further escalation.

South Korea has expressed its intention to collaborate with the United States to obtain enriched uranium fuel for its first domestically built nuclear-powered submarine.

This initiative represents a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of advanced defense technology and self-reliant energy solutions.

President Lee Jae Myung recently held productive discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and accelerating cooperation in nuclear energy and maritime defense innovation.

During the summit, President Lee emphasized that South Korea plans to build the submarine entirely within the country, showcasing its technological capability and shipbuilding excellence.

He also requested U.S. support in providing enriched uranium fuel, a key component for efficient submarine propulsion.

Washington has reportedly given positive approval for Seoul’s use of nuclear fuel for the project. This step highlights mutual trust and shared commitment to peaceful energy use and regional stability.

The move reinforces South Korea’s growing position as a global leader in shipbuilding, nuclear technology, and energy independence.
It also reflects a forward-thinking approach to defense modernization aligned with international safety standards.

While past agreements limited South Korea’s nuclear fuel development for military purposes, the evolving partnership with the U.S. marks a significant turning point. It opens the door for broader cooperation in advanced energy systems and sustainable maritime defense solutions.

The decision to construct the submarine domestically has generated enthusiasm among South Korean industry leaders. Major companies, including Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries, are expected to play crucial roles in the development and production process.

The project will not only enhance national defense capabilities but also create new jobs, stimulate technological innovation, and boost the local economy. It represents a strategic investment in both national security and industrial growth.

President Trump’s recent remarks expressing strong support for South Korea’s technological progress have further strengthened optimism on both sides. The partnership is viewed as a symbol of enduring U.S.-South Korea friendship and cooperation in science, defense, and trade.

Meanwhile, both countries are also finalizing a joint fact sheet outlining a $350 billion investment package aimed at deepening economic integration. The agreement covers key areas such as renewable energy, technology modernization, and trade facilitation.

Officials from both nations are currently refining the details to ensure the pact reflects shared goals of prosperity, stability, and innovation.
Once finalized, this deal will serve as a cornerstone of future economic and security collaboration.

South Korea’s pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine reflects its ambition to maintain peace through strength, technology, and strategic partnerships. It is a vision that balances defense modernization with responsible energy development and environmental responsibility.

This project is expected to place South Korea among the few nations capable of building advanced nuclear-powered vessels, highlighting its engineering and technological achievements. It underscores the country’s readiness to take on larger roles in global defense and energy cooperation.

Through collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect, the U.S. and South Korea continue to shape a secure and sustainable future.
Their alliance stands as a model of how technology and diplomacy can come together to advance peace, progress, and prosperity.