Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Trump Credits China, Russia for Iran Cease-Fire as Hormuz Blockade Held Without Tanker Challenge
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15

Trump Credits China, Russia for Iran Cease-Fire as Hormuz Blockade Held Without Tanker Challenge

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15

Summary

  • An initial Iran cease-fire agreement was helped by China and Russia, Trump said, praising Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin for aiding U.S. diplomacy.
  • Trump said their help included not sending oil and gas tankers or other commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, avoiding a challenge to a U.S. naval blockade meant to pressure Iran.
  • The White House did not clarify Monday what Trump meant by their assistance beyond that account, while the State Department referred questions back to the White House and the Chinese and Russian embassies did not respond.
  • The remarks fit Trump’s broader push to work with both powers: he has recently recast China as a partner after retreating from a trade war, and has also sought better ties with Moscow despite limited progress on Ukraine.

Insights

The Iran deal relies on Chinese support amid trade disputes. How fragile is this new era of transactional diplomacy?
How will Russia's 'managed instability' strategy in the Middle East affect its role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict?
Given Israeli opposition and ongoing conflict in Lebanon, can this Iran cease-fire truly lead to lasting regional stability?