Speaking to Fox News on 15/5, President Donald Trump confirmed that Chinese tankers, "full of Iranian oil", were allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz because the US "permitted it".

This statement followed reports from Iranian state media that approximately 30 commercial vessels, including at least one Chinese ship, had transited the Strait of Hormuz since the evening of 13/5. Iranian media asserted these movements occurred "with Tehran's permission".

President Trump speaks to reporters on Air Force One on 15/5. *AP*

President Trump previously stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered to help resolve the conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "He wants to see the Strait of Hormuz open," Trump said, adding that Washington's actions aimed to prevent Tehran's moves in this critical maritime passage.

According to Trump, Xi also offered to mediate the conflict. "If I can help in any way, I would very much like to help," the US President quoted his Chinese counterpart.

The White House also continued to pressure Iran, urging an agreement to be reached quickly to prevent further escalation of the conflict. "They should reach an agreement. Any sane person would do so, but they might be insane," Trump stated.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Guardian*

Prior to the conflict, over 1 million barrels of Iranian oil were exported daily to China via the Persian Gulf. While the conflict nearly blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian vessels and those linked to China continued to use the route, albeit at a significantly reduced rate of only a few ships daily.