Trump Seeks

Pair attempt to strike united front amid reports vice-president skeptical over US-Israeli attack on IranDonald Trump revealed that he had asked China to delay his forthcoming visit to Beijing while the war with Iran was continuing, as he attempted to strike a united front on Monday with his vice-president JD Vance, who is believed to have been skeptical over attacking Tehran’s regime.Appearing together with Vance for the first time in two weeks, Trump said he did not think the conflict – which started on 28 February after the US and Israel opened hostilities – would be over this week but predicted victory would be achieved soon. Continue reading...

• President Trump is attempting to garner international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway where oil transport has halted since the US and Israel began their war with Iran on day 17 of the conflict. • Trump claimed the US received "some positive response" from countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though Australia and Japan have stated they will not send warships; the UK said it is discussing options while China called for an immediate end to hostilities. • The blockade has caused oil prices to rise significantly, with the Strait of Hormuz responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply; Trump warned NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to assist in reopening the shipping lane.

• President Trump is threatening to delay his summit with China's President Xi Jinping unless Beijing helps secure the Strait of Hormuz, with US and Chinese trade negotiators meeting in Paris to discuss the issue. • The conflict has entered its third week with Operation Epic Fury killing more than 1,300 people in Iran and 13 US service members dead, while Gulf states report new missile and drone attacks on Sunday after Iran threatened to expand its military campaign. • Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and other nations to send warships to keep the Strait open and safe, warning the US will "remember" countries that don't help. • China has shown preliminary goodwill by signaling openness to purchase additional US agricultural products including poultry, beef, and non-soybean crops beyond previously pledged soybean purchases.