Trump's Patience Wears Thin, Says This After Meeting Xi Jinping
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - US President Donald Trump has said he is beginning to lose patience with Iran. The statement came after Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday.
During the meeting, the White House stated that the two leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for global trade. The strategic waterway had been temporarily closed by Iran in response to attacks by the US and Israel since February 28.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused major disruption to global energy supply chains. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil and therefore has a direct interest in regional stability.
“I won’t be more patient. They have to make a deal,” Trump said in an interview on the Hannity program, Fox News, quoted by Reuters, Friday (May 15, 2026).
Trump also mentioned Iran’s enriched uranium reserves. According to him, US control of uranium is more important for public image than other strategic needs.
“I just feel better if I get it. But I think it’s more for the public good than anything else,” he said.
Amid rising tensions, an incident occurred again in the waters off the coast of Oman. An Indian cargo ship carrying livestock from Africa to the United Arab Emirates sank after allegedly being hit by a missile or drone.
India condemned the attack, although all 14 crew members were reportedly rescued by the Omani coast guard.
Meanwhile, the British maritime security agency UKMTO reported that a ship anchored near the port of Fujairah, UAE, was taken over by “unauthorized personnel” and directed towards Iran.
The maritime security company Vanguard said the ship was likely seized by Iranian personnel while it was anchored.
After meeting Xi, Trump said the Chinese president had pledged not to send military equipment to Iran.
“He said he would not provide military equipment, that’s a big statement,” said Trump.
In addition, Xi is said to be interested in buying more US oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries also agreed that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. Tehran has denied that it is developing such weapons.
(fab/fab)