Trump Requests Postponement of China Summit Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance presented a united front in the Oval Office on Monday, as Trump disclosed he had asked China to delay his upcoming visit to Beijing due to the ongoing war with Iran. This move comes amid reports that Vance has expressed skepticism about the US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran's regime.
Unified Stance on Iran War and Diplomatic Delays
Appearing together for the first time in two weeks, Trump stated that he did not anticipate the conflict, which began on 28 February after the US and Israel initiated hostilities, to conclude this week. However, he confidently predicted victory would be achieved soon. When questioned about his planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on 31 March, Trump explained, "We're speaking to China. I'd love to [go], but because of the war, I want to be here. I have to be here, I feel, and so we've requested that we delay it a month or so." He emphasized the strong relationship with China but underscored the priority of the war effort.
Criticism of Allies and Escalating Regional Tensions
Trump has repeatedly claimed the war against Iran's theocratic regime, which he terms an "excursion," is nearly won, highlighting the US military's impact on Iranian military capacity and infrastructure. However, facing criticism that the US and Israel underestimated Iran's response, Trump called on Western allies and China to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This critical chokepoint, through which 20% of global oil exports flow, is currently blocked by Tehran, causing oil prices to surge. Trump singled out Britain and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing disappointment over their reluctance to deploy ships and minesweepers to the region. "I say it would be really helpful if you'd send over a couple of ships, and if you have some minesweepers, which they do, it would be very helpful," he remarked, questioning Starmer's decision-making authority.
Iran's Military Response and Strategic Surprises
In addition to mining the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has launched missile attacks on Arab Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, all of which host US military bases. When asked if he was surprised by these targets, Trump responded, "No. Nobody thought they were going to hit," referring to some countries as "Iran's bankers." He downplayed the significance, stating, "It's not a question of, like, gee, should you have known? And if we did know – big deal. We have to do what we have to do."
Vance Denies Rift and Defends Trump's Leadership
Vance, present to mark the signing of an initiative investigating alleged fraud in Minnesota, accused journalists of "trying to drive a wedge" between him and Trump when questioned about his past opposition to US military adventures. He defended the current campaign, contrasting it with previous engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan by stating, "In wars in the past, we've had dumb presidents, and I trust President Trump to get the job done, to do a good job for the American people, and to make sure that the mistakes [of] the past aren't repeated." Reports have suggested Vance is highly doubtful about the Iran war, with Trump admitting last week that Vance was "philosophically ... less enthusiastic." On Monday, Trump praised Vance, saying, "JD has been great ... [he] understands better than most. If you give Iran a nuclear weapon, at least a very substantial part of the world would be blown up, and it'll be used almost immediately."
