Trump and Xi Pledge to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open as Iran Conflict Escalates

In a high-stakes diplomatic call, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to safeguard global energy supplies, as the Iran conflict enters its 77th day. The leaders emphasized the strategic waterway's critical role in international trade and oil shipments. Meanwhile, Tehran is rallying support from BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to counter growing Western pressure. The situation remains volatile, with both sides signaling a willingness to negotiate but no concrete ceasefire in sight.