TRUMP-XI JUST PUBLISHED THE EXACT LIST OF WHAT THEY AGREED ON ABOUT IRAN AND HORMUZ
Not vague summaries. Not "productive talks." NAMED COMMITMENTS. SPECIFIC POINTS. Item by item. 🇺🇸 US companies get expanded access to Chinese markets — signed off in Beijing, May 14 🇨🇳 China increases investment into the United States 🇺🇸 China cracks down harder on fentanyl flowing into America 🌾 China buys more American agricultural products 🛢 Hormuz Strait must stay open — both sides committed in writing ⚓ China explicitly opposes militarization of the Strait of Hormuz ⛽ China opposes anyone charging tolls to pass through Hormuz 🛳 China will buy MORE American oil specifically to reduce its own dependence on the Hormuz route ☢️ Both sides agree: Iran cannot have nuclear weapons 💀 9 named commitments 💀 ZERO quantitative targets in the readout 💀 ZERO new enforcement board created 💀 100% of the Hormuz points exist because Iran nearly shut the world's oil supply in February 2026 Source: Ronald Carter on X
Trump publicly described Xi Jinping calling the U.S. “perhaps a declining nation,” agreeing that Biden-era policies weakened America while portraying his own presidency as restoring strength.
He highlighted military pressure on Iran, adding “(to be continued!),” which analysts interpret as signaling the Iran conflict remains unresolved. Trump also said Xi privately pledged not to send military equipment to Iran and offered help securing stability in the Strait of Hormuz. Source: Shanaka Anslem Perera ⚡
US–China Sanctions Escalation Over Iranian Oil
Jack Prandelli argues that 90% of Iran’s oil exports go to China, prompting a US sanctions escalation aimed at Beijing. The US has built a multi-step pressure strategy including sanctions on shadow fleet vessels, teapot refineries like Hengli Petrochemical, and networks of front companies across Asia. It has also issued warnings to Chinese banks about potential secondary sanctions if Iranian oil payments continue flowing through their systems. Full secondary sanctions on major Chinese banks remain a possible next step, which could significantly escalate US–China financial tensions. Outcome depends on Beijing.
US continues to drain SPR to export oil to Asia
SPR down 5.22MM last week (-22MM last month) US oil exports 4.75MM last week Source: www.zerohedge.com
Trump just announced "Project Freedom," a U.S.-led operation to escort trapped ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday.
- Dozens of neutral vessels from countries with no role in the conflict have been stuck in the Strait, running low on food and supplies - Trump says the U.S. will guide them safely out as a humanitarian gesture - Trump warned that any interference with the process "will have to be dealt with forcefully" - He added that U.S. representatives are having "very positive discussions" with Iran and that talks could lead to something positive for all sides Will Iran allow this or will they start firing on ships crossing and talking up their mines again?
CHINA HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE.
China just officially told its companies to ignore US sanctions on Iranian oil and keep buying. China bought more than 80% of all oil Iran exported in 2025. The US sanctioned five Chinese refineries and froze their assets to stop this. China's response was to issue a formal government order stating the sanctions "shall not be recognised, implemented, or complied with." The US is trying to cut off Iran's oil revenue to pressure Tehran. China just made that strategy impossible to enforce. Source: Bull Theory
The Pentagon just announced 15,000 service members, guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and unmanned platforms deployed to the Strait of Hormuz. Operation begins Monday morning.
Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official then told CNN, on the record, that Project Freedom "is NOT an escort mission." The Wall Street Journal said the same. The administration is calling it a coordination framework. Governments talking to insurance companies talking to shipping firms. 15,000 troops. 100 hundred aircraft. Guided-missile destroyers. Coordination framework??? really? Source: Brian Allen
Trump to be briefed on new military options for Iran.
CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper is set to present updated plans for potential military action, per Axios. The briefing signals the US is weighing a return to major combat operations amid stalled negotiations. Options under consideration include escalation to break the deadlock or delivering a decisive strike before ending the conflict. Source: Bull Theory Activate to view larger image,
