As Trump Visits China, Iran Allows Chinese Vessels to Pass Through
After communication with China, Iran announced the clearance of certain Chinese vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 14th, Fars News Agency cited sources stating that, under the premise of complying with Iran’s strait management regulations, Iran has streamlined procedures for Chinese ships passing through the strait and permitted some vessels to transit. The agreement took effect starting from the night of the 13th.
The report noted this progress was achieved following consultations between China and Iran, based on their deep relationship and strategic partnership, with both sides reaching a consensus on "facilitating passage of Chinese vessels" through the strait.
However, although Iran stated that 30 vessels have been approved to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the 13th, these vessels are not all Chinese—some are also linked to Japan.
This development is undoubtedly a positive signal for shipping operations long hindered by restrictions, yet it falls far short of full resumption of navigation and certainly does not meet the U.S. expectation of a complete lifting of the blockade.
Notably, Iran released this information during Trump’s visit to China. One of Trump’s objectives in visiting China was precisely to urge Beijing to pressure Iran into concessions on ending the conflict and opening the strait, or even accepting American negotiation terms. However, based on currently available public information, China has not explicitly endorsed this U.S. demand.
Indeed, Iran’s move at this moment carries an element of strategic differentiation. While the U.S. seeks to unite multiple countries in joint pressure on Iran to open the strait, Iran has chosen instead to engage in bilateral negotiations with relevant nations, prioritizing facilitation for friendly or key trading partners, aiming to build understanding and consensus, ultimately undermining the U.S.-led pressure coalition and securing greater flexibility in its own strategic positioning.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865224983346176/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.