United States President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that China had agreed not to supply weapons to Iran, amid growing speculation that Beijing might be considering military support. Chinese officials, however, have repeatedly denied those reports in recent days.
In the same interview, Trump suggested the conflict could soon wind down, saying the war was “very close to over.”
He has made similar declarations of victory since the early days of the fighting, even as the situation on the ground remains uncertain.
The U.S. military, through its Central Command, said it has established “maritime superiority” in the region, adding that the blockade of Iranian ports was fully in place within 36 hours of its launch.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts appear to be gaining some traction. Regional officials say mediators are making progress toward extending the fragile ceasefire, with both sides expected to return for another round of talks soon.
Still, a senior U.S. official cautioned that no formal agreement has been reached to prolong the truce, noting that discussions with Iran are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Iran has signaled some flexibility on its nuclear programme. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is open to discussions about the scope and level of uranium enrichment.
However, he stressed that Iran must retain the ability to continue enrichment based on its own needs.
On the U.S. side, officials remain guarded. One senior figure, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, confirmed that while engagement continues, there is still no agreement to extend the ceasefire.
Elsewhere, the conflict is beginning to strain alliances. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed back against pressure from Washington to join the war effort.
Despite remarks from Trump suggesting the U.S.-UK relationship could suffer, Starmer made it clear he would not shift his position.
“I’m not going to change my mind,” he said. “It is not in our national interest to join this war.”
As military pressure intensifies and diplomacy inches forward, the coming days are shaping up to be critical in determining whether the conflict moves toward resolution or deepens further.
