Trump Says Xi Offered Help on Iran Deal and Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered to help broker a deal with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz following high-stakes talks in Beijing.

"President Xi would like to see a deal made," Trump told Sean Hannity in an exclusive interview set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Fox News Channel. "And he did offer. He said, 'If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help'... He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open."

Trump said Xi assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran, a major issue as Trump administration officials press Beijing on its ties with Tehran.

"That’s a big statement," Trump said. He added that Xi said strongly they would not supply arms, but noted China buys a lot of Iran's oil and wants to continue. Xi also wants the Strait of Hormuz opened. Trump replied, "Well, we didn’t stop it, they [Iran] did, and then we stopped them."

Trump pointed to Xi's concerns about Iran's alleged efforts to impose costs on ships in the key global energy corridor. "He didn’t like the fact that they’re charging tolls," Trump said. "I don’t know if they are or not — I don’t know who would pay them. Where would the money go? The country is decimated."

The comments followed a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Xi, where they also covered increasing U.S. access to Chinese markets and stopping the flow of fentanyl precursors to the U.S.

The White House said both sides agreed Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and the Strait of Hormuz must stay open. China raised warnings about Taiwan.

Trump and Xi are due to meet again for a bilateral tea session at 11:40 a.m. Friday local time.