On January 13, a construction site for a 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine unit is observed in the coastal waters of Fujian Province, southeast China. Lin Shanchuan/Xinhua/Getty Images
For over ten years, leader Xi Jinping has managed a change in the Chinese economy with a single objective: ensuring energy security.
In line with that vision, China has initiated a renewable energy transformation through wind, solar, and hydropower, explored deeper into both offshore and onshore oilfields, and established agreements with partners for increased supply – all to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fuel and protect it from “external shocks.”
Currently, the historic oil crisis instigated by the war between the United States and Israel against Iran is presenting the toughest challenge thus far to China’s ambitious pursuit of energy self-sufficiency. It seems that China is succeeding in this test.
As fuel-deprived nations throughout Asia have rushed for resources, China – the globe’s top energy purchaser – has maintained large reserves of oil, an industrial sector predominantly dependent on local energy and a growing number of vehicles increasingly driven by electricity rather than gasoline.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, in the center, the leader of Iran’s judiciary, is present at the Musalla in Tehran for the sixth anniversary of Qassem Soleimani’s death on January 1, 2026. Sobhan Farajvan/Pacific Press/Sipa USA/Alamy
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran’s judiciary, stated that Tehran needs to “ensure complete preparedness” for potential new US attacks, as reported in a video by Fars, a media outlet linked to the Iranian state.
Ejei stated that there is a “significant chance” of additional attacks, noting that the US has not met its war goals, even after eliminating numerous high-ranking Iranian officials.
In another video shared by Fars, Ejei stated that Iran will react to the US capture of the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, labeling it a “breach” of the ceasefire.
“The naval blockade that (the US is) discussing is certainly a blatant infringement, and the Islamic Republic will certainly react,” he stated.
Malcolm Davis, a Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in Canberra, stated that the US faces “no straightforward route to success” in its conflict with Iran.
Davis informed Xenix News’ Polo Sandoval that he doesn’t have much optimism for a deal between the US and Iran in the potential second round of talks in Islamabad this week, as the gap between their requirements is too wide.
Davies stated, “The chances of seeing anything emerge from this that will truly settle this (conflict) are not promising.” According to Davies, if discussions yield no results, the US faces two primary choices: it can either maintain its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz or revert to a state of warfare.
He stated that “there is no assurance that merely bombing Iran will fulfill US strategic goals,” noting that “there’s a significant danger that this conflict escalates uncontrollably and ultimately fails to accomplish anything.”
If US President Donald Trump decided to exit the war and proclaim victory without meeting his objectives, like dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, rivals like China and Russia would perceive the US as weak, Davies noted.
Davies stated, “The Iranians have proven to be a more resilient opponent than I believe the US anticipated.”
“This is a difficult scenario as this dispute involves not only Iran but also carries strategic consequences for the broader international strategic landscape.”
US President Donald Trump stated he views the ceasefire with Iran as concluded as of “Wednesday evening Washington time,” but he believes it’s “very unlikely” he will prolong it if a deal isn’t achieved.
Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to leave Washington on Tuesday to head to Pakistan and engage in the newest discussions with Iran on Wednesday, sources familiar with the plans informed Xenix News.
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Trump stated that a possible deal with Iran would be “MUCH BETTER than the JCPOA,” alluding to the nuclear agreement made by former President Barack Obama with Tehran.
Mohammad Mokhber, a member of a council advising Iran’s supreme leader, cautioned Monday that “any error” by the US would lead to “ultimate punishment.”
Iran’s foreign minister attributed the present “insecurity” in the Strait of Hormuz to US “aggression” during a call with his Russian counterpart.
Egypt is maintaining efforts to usher the US and Iran back to negotiations in collaboration with Pakistan, according to a regional source knowledgeable about the discussions.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping stated that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be completely open for ships, marking his clearest remarks on the congested waterway, while the US and Iran remain in conflict regarding shipping movements in the Persian Gulf.
Trump disagreed with his own energy secretary, who had cautioned that gas prices might not return to pre-Iran war levels until next year. Trump stated that prices will decrease “once this ends,” alluding to the conflict with Iran.
A second round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set for Thursday in Washington, DC, as reported by both an Israeli representative and a US State Department official.
Xenix News Simone McCarthy, Sana Noor Haq, Aileen Graef, Alayna Treene, Kevin Liptak, Dana Karni, Jennifer Hansler, Mohammed Tawfeeq, and Alejandra Jaramillo aided in the creation of this report.
Ships in and near the Strait of Hormuz from 9:30 a.m. ET on April 17 until 8 p.m. ET on April 19, as per the vessel tracking website MarineTraffic. MarineTraffic
Iran’s limitations on the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iranian ports have led to shipping through the strait being nearly nonexistent.
The tracking data from MarineTraffic above indicates ships in and near the strait from Friday to Sunday. The vessels shown as red shapes are tankers, and the green shapes indicate cargo ships.
On Friday, Iran announced it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the following day reinstated its restrictions on the waterway after the US declared it would continue its blockade.
Following the announcement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) about the closure of the strait, 13 ships altered their course, as reported by maritime intelligence firm Windward
Yesterday, tracking data showed that no tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking one of the calmest days in the waterway since the conflict started. A few small boats seemed to enter the channel, primarily comprising tug boats or ships flagged under Iran.
According to ship tracking data, two tankers transporting liquid petroleum gas (LPG) that were exiting the Persian Gulf suddenly reversed course yesterday. Iranian armed forces turned back the tankers, according to Iranian state-linked news agency Tasnim.
Earlier today, three ships appeared to have entered the Persian Gulf, with two tankers reported as empty by MarineTraffic.
A heavily loaded tanker passed through the strait and left the gulf early Monday local time, as reported by MarineTraffic. The Nova Crest, operated by a Turkish company, departed from an Iraqi port earlier this month. It has been previously penalized by the UK and European Union for transporting Russian oil.
President Donald Trump addresses the press as he leaves the White House in Washington, DC, on April 16.
President Donald Trump addresses the press as he leaves the White House in Washington, DC, on April 16. Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters
President Donald Trump stated Monday that a possible accord with Iran would be “FAR BETTER than the JCPOA,” alluding to former President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement with Tehran.
“The agreement we are negotiating with Iran will be MUCH SUPERIOR to the JCPOA, often called ‘The Iran Nuclear Deal,’ created by Barack Hussein Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden, one of the worst agreements concerning our Nation’s Security,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post, contending that his strategy would stop Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and enhance overall regional security.
Trump highlighted the release of Iranian assets and previous financial transactions, while implying that any agreement during his administration would vary in both structure and results. Xenix News reported Friday that the Trump administration was contemplating releasing$20 billionin Iranian funds, a figure significantly greater than what Obama approved as part of that agreement.
“It was a certain path to a Nuclear Weapon, which will not, and cannot, occur with the Agreement we’re pursuing,” Trump continued. Furthermore, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars were disbursed to Iran. “If I hadn’t ended that ‘Deal,’ nuclear weapons would’ve been deployed against Israel and throughout the Middle East, including our valuable U.S. military installations,” the president stated.
The Iran nuclear agreement from the Obama administration was negotiated in 2015 and sought to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities in return for easing sanctions. It included
A second session of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set for Thursday in Washington, DC, as stated by both an Israeli representative and a US State Department official.
Last Tuesday, the initial meeting of officials from both nations occurred, featuring Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh present for the discussions. The Israeli official stated that Leiter will once again head the delegation from Israel.
Lebanon’s Presidential office stated earlier today that ambassador Simon Karam will head the country’s delegation.
“The goal of the negotiation approach is to stop aggressive actions, conclude the Israeli occupation of southern regions, and position the military up to the internationally acknowledged southern borders,” stated President Josep Aoun.
He mentioned that US President Donald Trump had “stepped in with Israel for a ceasefire and to get ready to start a negotiations process.”
A State Department representative stated that the US “appreciates the constructive dialogue that started on April 14,” emphasizing that “we will keep promoting direct, sincere conversations between the two administrations.”
Before last week’s discussions, Israel and Lebanon had not engaged in diplomatic relations or direct conversations for many years.
President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office on Saturday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
US President Donald Trump stated that he regards the ceasefire with Iran as concluded “Wednesday evening Washington time,” but mentioned that it’s “highly unlikely” he would prolong it if a deal isn’t achieved.
Trump informed Bloomberg in a phone interview that it’s “very unlikely I’d extend it.” The truce was initially meant to continue for two weeks and started on the evening ofApril 7.
“I won’t be pressured into agreeing to a poor deal.” “We have all the time we need,” Trump stated during the interview.
When questioned about whether he anticipated the fighting would restart right away if an agreement is not achieved, Trump responded, “If there’s no deal, I would certainly expect.”
In the past, Trump has wavered on his willingness to prolong the ceasefire. During a question-and-answer session with reporters last week, he was posed the same question about extending the ceasefire five times and provided three varied responses.
Expert indicates that divisions are emerging among Persian Gulf countries regarding their approach to Iran.
Nations in the Persian Gulf are becoming more split regarding their position on Iran. While certain countries aim for a conclusion to the conflict that leaves Iran significantly weakened, others support diplomatic solutions, and some are uncertain, according to a Middle East specialist speaking with Xenix News Becky Anderson.
“The Gulf states are essentially split regarding their desired next steps,” stated Hasan Alhasan, a Middle East policy fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
United Arab Emirates: “From the war’s inception, the UAE has remained steadfast, as it has faced the brunt of most Iranian assaults.” “They want to witness the conclusion of this war and ensure Iran is completely disarmed,” he stated.
Bahrain: “Bahrain is in agreement with this stance,” he mentioned, highlighting that Bahrain recently prepared a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at vigorously reopening the vital trade route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait: Conversely, nearby countries such as Qatar and Oman have advocated for diplomatic measures to resolve the conflict, whereas Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have displayed “ambivalence” in their position, as the Gulf region continues to experience economic hardships, according to Alhasan.
“Oman and Qatar have expressed a stronger urgency for an immediate de-escalation, calling for a ceasefire and resolution to this conflict,” he stated. “There’s been a fair amount of uncertainty from the Saudis and Kuwaitis, and we’re unclear about their position.”
Vice President JD Vance is anticipated to leave Washington on Tuesday to head to Pakistan for the latest round of discussions with Iran, sources familiar with the arrangements informed Xenix News.
A second round of discussions between the US and Iranian teams is scheduled for Wednesday in Islamabad, they indicated, while mentioning that the circumstances are still unpredictable due to ongoing intense public statements from both the US and Iranians.
The White House informed Xenix News that there is no official update on timing, but noted, “we anticipate the delegation will be traveling soon, though it’s uncertain when.”
In a phone interview with the New York Post on Monday morning, President Donald Trump stated that the delegation was “on its way” to Pakistan and would “arrive tonight.” However, those remarks seemed to be hasty.
As the US and Iran squabble ahead of another round of talks, the looming expiration of a two-week ceasefire between the two nations is creating pressure to find a resolution.
As of now, the truce — which Trump announced April 7 — is set to end Tuesday evening ET. Officials have not said whether it expires at exactly the time Trump announced it (6:32 p.m. ET) or at midnight. Either time would be Wednesday morning, April 22, in Iran.
Trump has gone back and forth on whether he would agree to extend the ceasefire.
In the course of one question-and-answer session with reporters last week, he was asked five separate times whether he would extend the ceasefire, and offered three different answers:
“If there’s no deal, fighting resumes,” he said definitively at one point.
Later, he allowed he would offer an extension if necessary: “If we need to, I would do that.”
In another answer, he suggested the question was moot, given the state of negotiations: “We’ll see. I don’t know that we’ll have to. Ideally we won’t.”
Since then, Iran has cast doubt on its willingness to return to talks. And Trump has renewed his threats to take out bridges and power plants in Iran if a deal isn’t struck.
“NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy,” he wrote on Truth Social, saying Iran had violated the ceasefire by firing on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has made those maximalist threats multiple times before, only to back away.
Egypt continuing efforts to bring US and Iran to negotiating table, source says
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty attends a joint news conference in Moscow, Russia, on April 3. Pavel Bednyakov/Reuters
Egypt is continuing efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table in coordination with Pakistan, a regional source familiar with the talks told Xenix news
Amid confusion surrounding the upcoming negotiations and with the ceasefire between Iran and the US nearing expiry, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said today that there are no immediate plans for a second round of talks. Last week, US President Donald Trump stated that the blockade on Iran would continue even after Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz open, causing prospects for negotiations to break down.
The Egyptians, who suffered economically from the conflicts, had ramped up efforts since 2025 to help mediate between Iran and the United States. Last year, diplomats in Cairo brokered a key agreement between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and this month, Egypt worked closely with Pakistan to help de-escalate the conflict between the US and Iran.
On Sunday, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Muhammad Ishaq Dar on efforts to “advance the diplomatic track” between Washington and Tehran, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry said.
“Both ministers expressed their hope for a second round of negotiations that would contribute to reaching understandings leading to a ceasefire, de-escalation, and an end to the war,” the statement said.
