Day 77 of Iran Conflict: Trump and Xi Discuss Hormuz, Tehran Urges BRICS to Condemn

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting in Beijing. The White House said Xi agreed the strategic waterway “must remain open to support the free flow of energy” amid disruptions from the ongoing conflict in Iran, which continue to roil global markets.

The same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS member states at a meeting in New Delhi to condemn the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, calling it a violation of international law. He insisted Tehran “will never bow to any pressure.”

Simultaneously, the third round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel was underway in Washington aimed at ending the conflict, despite continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon.

In Iran

• Iran Calls on BRICS to Condemn U.S. and Israel: Araghchi argued that Iran is “a victim of illegal expansionism and belligerence,” urging member states to oppose “Western hegemony” by condemning U.S. and Israeli actions.
• Iran Accuses UAE of Joining War: Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of playing a direct role in the war against Iran, speaking at the BRICS conference in India.
• Iran Adjusts Hormuz Strategy: Iranian media reported that more than 30 ships, including some connected to Chinese companies, were allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz overnight. Tehran declared the strait “open to all commercial vessels coordinating with the Iranian navy.”

War Diplomacy

• China Offers Help on Hormuz: Trump said President Xi Jinping offered Chinese assistance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran in its war against the U.S. and Israel.
• Trump-Xi Meeting Amid ‘Promise Fatigue’: Analyst Drew Thompson said Washington and Beijing remain deeply distrustful after years of unmet expectations. He described the summit as “cautious,” focused on preventing further deterioration in bilateral relations.
• U.S. Says Israel-Lebanon Talks ‘Positive’: A U.S. official said negotiations in Washington on a soon-expiring ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon were “positive” and would continue for a second day.

In the U.S.

• Trump Calls Uranium Retrieval ‘Public Relations’: The U.S. president said the hunt for enriched Iranian uranium was largely symbolic after Israel sought to make it a war goal. “I feel better having it, but I think it’s more important for public relations than anything else,” Trump told Fox News.
• Trump Says Iran Must Reach a Deal: In the same interview, Trump expressed impatience for a ceasefire with Iran as peace talks stall. “I’m not going to be patient much longer… They should make a deal. Any sane person would negotiate, but they might be insane,” he said.

In Israel

• Israel Sues New York Times: Israel announced it would sue The New York Times over a column by Nicholas Kristof detailing allegations of rape of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli forces. The Prime Minister’s Office announced the legal action three days after the report, based on accounts from 14 male and female Palestinian victims.

In Lebanon and Syria

• Hezbollah Claims Attacks on Israeli Forces: The group said it launched rockets, drones, and artillery against Israeli troops and military vehicles in southern Lebanon, and claimed to have downed several Israeli drones.
• Israel-Lebanon Talks Face Uncertainty: According to Al Jazeera correspondent Manuel Rapalo, Israel wants stronger security guarantees and the disarmament of Hezbollah, while Lebanon demands a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from the south. Hezbollah’s refusal to commit to any future agreement raises instability, though diplomats still view the talks as a breakthrough.
• Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Probe in Syria: The rights group urged investigation of Israeli airstrikes and shelling in southern Syria, where residents report homes and farmland destroyed and many detained. Israel has also seized territory beyond the Golan Heights, violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement.