Now facing the worst oil crisis in history, Trump is calling on other nations, including France, Japan, South Korea and Britain, to work together to secure the strait. To persuade China, Trump is exerting additional pressure. CNN also reported that Iran is considering allowing some tankers through the strait if the oil is traded in Chinese yuan. China, one of Iran’s most important strategic partners and the biggest purchaser of its oil, has even less reason to side with Trump. China is relatively insulated from the oil crisis, but it is not immune to its widening effects on energy prices.

Source: CNN March 16, 2026 10:27 UTC