US President Donald Trump claimed that China has agreed not to supply weapons to Iran, saying he had personally raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and received assurances in return.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Beijing was supportive of his efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a critical global oil route that has been at the centre of rising regional tensions.

“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also — and the World. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran.”

“President Xi will give me a big, fat hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting??? BUT REMEMBER, we are very good at fighting, if we have to — far better than anyone else!!!” Trump wrote.