Iran conflict casts shadow over Trump-Xi talks in Beijing

U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Beijing on Wednesday ahead of a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions on the Iran war, trade, technology, and Taiwan are expected but unlikely to yield major breakthroughs. The conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran has intensified regional tensions, with Iran striking Gulf neighbors like the UAE and tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Israel claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the UAE in March for talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, but the UAE’s foreign ministry denied the report, calling it unfounded. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned the UAE against colluding with Israel, stating that such actions would be held accountable. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reportedly conducted military strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, marking a hidden but escalating pattern of retaliation in the region. Iran has also secured oil shipment deals with Iraq and Pakistan through the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing its strategic leverage. Iranian officials have signaled long-term ambitions to maintain control over the strait, framing it as a revenue source and foreign policy tool. An Iranian army spokesperson claimed supervision of the passage could generate income twice Iran’s current oil earnings. Despite a ceasefire attempt, diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled, with Washington demanding Iran scrap its nuclear program and lift its hold on the strait, while Iran seeks compensation, an end to U.S. sanctions, and a halt to fighting across its borders.