Trump Heads to Beijing for Summit with Xi Jinping as Iran Conflict Enters Day 75

By Elizabeth Melimopoulos

*May 13, 2026*

United States President Donald Trump departed for Beijing on Tuesday for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions are expected to cover trade as the primary focus, along with the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump described the talks as including a “long talk” on the Iran situation.

The conflict, which escalated with initial US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, following reported Iranian escalations, reached a partial ceasefire on April 8. As of May 13—day 75—tensions persist in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of creating “justifications for atrocity.” Trump has stated that the conflict will conclude “peacefully or otherwise.”

Kuwait reported the arrest of four individuals alleged to be members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accused of planning “hostile” activities after attempting to enter via Bubiyan Island. Qatar has accused Iran of “weaponising” the Strait of Hormuz and using it to “blackmail” Gulf states, noting that vital energy supplies face delays in the region.

Developments in Iran

Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Washington must accept Tehran’s latest peace proposal or risk failure. These remarks followed Trump’s Monday comments, amid domestic pressure over the conflict’s economic effects, that a US-Iran ceasefire was on “life support.” Trump indicated he is considering resuming naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.

A New York Times report on Tuesday, citing classified US intelligence assessments, indicated that Iran retains substantial missile capabilities. The assessments estimated that approximately 70 percent of Iran’s mobile launchers and pre-war missile stockpile remain operational, with access restored to 30 of 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomacy and Regional Developments

Ship-tracking data showed the Chinese crude oil supertanker *Yuan Hua Hu* transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, passing Iran’s Larak Island while exiting the Gulf.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated that the group’s weapons are not subject to forthcoming ceasefire negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. He described the matter as “an internal Lebanese issue and not part of negotiations with the enemy,” ahead of the third round of Lebanon-Israel talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz—where traffic has significantly declined but not fully halted since early in the conflict—as leverage against Gulf states. He noted that coordinated routes managed by the IRGC Navy allow some vessel passage, amid tightened Iranian control and mutual disruptions, including US naval operations in the area. The prime minister added that a recent Washington visit supported Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid, reporting from Tehran, said Iranian officials reject claims of using the strait as a weapon, emphasizing safe passage via IRGC-coordinated routes.

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles announced that the country will join a defensive mission led by France and the United Kingdom to secure shipping through the strait, once established. Australia plans to contribute a surveillance aircraft to protect the United Arab Emirates from Iranian drone attacks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking to Al Jazeera, expressed belief that both the US and Iran possess sufficient will to end the conflict. He warned that further escalation could exacerbate global economic instability and regional tensions, urging a lasting settlement.

Gulf Region Updates

The UAE’s Habshan gas processing complex in Abu Dhabi—one of the world’s largest—will not resume full capacity until next year, according to operator ADNOC Gas. The site, which was damaged during the conflict, is currently operating at 60 percent capacity.

Kuwait reported arresting four men accused of IRGC affiliation after they attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea, injuring a Kuwaiti soldier. Authorities stated the suspects, found on a fishing boat allegedly chartered for hostile actions, admitted to an IRGC-directed operation. Iran has denied the allegations and condemned the arrests of its nationals.

United States Perspectives

Trump stated he does not believe the US requires China’s assistance to resolve the conflict but confirmed Iran would be discussed during the Beijing summit. “We’re going to have a long talk about it,” he told reporters before departure. He added, “We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control.”

Addressing domestic concerns over inflation linked to the conflict, Trump said it “will not be long” and predicted that its resolution would lower oil prices sharply. He noted hundreds of oil tankers awaiting departure from the region and anticipated surges in energy markets and stocks.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told US lawmakers that the conflict has cost at least $29 billion in munitions and equipment over 74 days, excluding base damage. He indicated military escalation remains possible. Democrats responded amid public worries over rising gas prices and unclear objectives.

Lebanon Frontline

Lebanon urged the US ambassador in Beirut to press Israel to stop attacks, following Israeli air strikes on Monday despite the partial ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Hezbollah claimed to have struck an Israeli Merkava tank near Hula in Lebanon’s Nabatieh region. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem pledged to intensify resistance against Israeli forces.

The exchanges reflect mutual ceasefire violations reported by both sides. Israel has accused Hezbollah of provocations, including rocket fire and border incursions, prompting responses. Hezbollah has cited Israeli incursions and strikes as justifications for its actions.

Experts have warned that the conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of students in Lebanon, damaged schools, and strained an education system already affected by economic challenges. Many schools have shifted to online learning, though progress lags, with concerns over reduced focus on citizenship education in a sect-divided country.

Al Jazeera correspondent Obaida Hitto, reporting from southern Lebanon, said an Israeli attack killed at least two Lebanese Civil Defence paramedics and a wounded man they were evacuating near Tyre. The incident occurred amid ongoing bombardment, contributing to a humanitarian crisis and displacement in the south.

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