Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a televised interview aired Wednesday that Washington wants Beijing to help push Iran toward a change in course. His comments highlighted China’s position as a country with ties to Iran and a strong interest in stability across the region.

The Gulf is a key route for global energy and shipping, which makes any rise in tensions a matter of international concern. For the United States, getting China involved would add diplomatic pressure at a time when Washington is watching Iran closely.

Rubio did not give details on what specific action the U.S. wants China to take. The message was broader: American officials believe Beijing may have leverage with Tehran and want that relationship used to reduce risks in the Gulf.

For now, the appeal signals how major powers are being drawn into efforts to manage one of the world’s most sensitive regions.

Chinese officials announced that Trump would visit from May 13 to 15 at Xi’s invitation, with both leaders expected to discuss U.S.-China relations and wider international issues. The trip comes as the war involving Iran has added new pressure to talks that were already expected to be difficult.

For Trump, the meeting is a chance to press for economic gains, including expanded U.S. exports and better access for American companies. Trade, technology, agriculture, energy, and aircraft sales are all expected to be part of the conversation.

Xi enters the meeting focused on stability and China’s core concerns, especially Taiwan and restrictions on Chinese access to advanced technology. Beijing is also likely to seek a more predictable relationship with Washington.

The visit is not expected to resolve every dispute. Still, it gives both governments a chance to manage tensions at a moment when the relationship remains important and fragile.

The proposal, raised amid pressure from rising fuel costs, would need approval from Congress before it could take effect. The federal tax currently adds 18.4 cents to each gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents to each gallon of diesel. Pausing it would be aimed at lowering costs for consumers, though the actual savings could be modest.

Energy and tax policy analysts have noted that gas tax holidays do not always translate into the full savings drivers expect. Retail prices depend on supply, demand, refinery costs, distribution, and how much of the tax break is passed along at the pump.

A suspension would also reduce money flowing into the Highway Trust Fund, which helps pay for roads, bridges, and transit projects. That creates a tradeoff for lawmakers weighing short-term consumer relief against transportation funding needs.

U.S. officials wanted a broader agreement. The American proposal reportedly included steps tied to reopening the key waterway, easing the conflict, and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

President Trump rejected Iran’s answer publicly, calling it “totally unacceptable.” The main disagreement appears to be over what should come first. Iran wants the current talks to be centered on stopping the conflict and reducing pressure on shipping. The U.S. wants nuclear limits included as part of the deal.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because it is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. For now, both sides are still communicating through mediators, but the response has not produced a breakthrough.

Public statements from lawmakers and conservative media outlets show the faction arguing that talks could cross key ideological and security lines. The group has used parliament, rallies, and media appearances to criticize officials involved in diplomacy and to warn against concessions.

The dispute comes at a sensitive moment for Iran, as leaders face pressure from conflict, economic strain, and questions about future political direction. Supporters of negotiations see diplomacy as a way to reduce tension and protect national interests. Hardliners argue that compromise with the United States would weaken Iran’s position.

For now, the debate reflects a broader struggle inside Iran over power, policy, and how far the government should go in any talks with Washington.

In a message announcing the development, Trump said the agreement could be a step toward ending the war, calling it a possible beginning of the end of a long and deadly conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin were said to have confirmed the temporary truce.

The ceasefire comes as Moscow prepares for its May 9 Victory Day events, including the annual military parade in Red Square. Ukrainian officials have treated the timing with caution, saying Russia may be trying to secure the celebrations rather than move toward a broader peace deal.

The proposed agreement also includes a large prisoner exchange. Each side would release 1,000 prisoners of war, which would make it one of the biggest swaps since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Despite the announcement, fighting reportedly continued in several areas, underscoring how fragile the truce remains.

U.S. military officials said three Navy destroyers came under missile, drone, and small-boat attacks while moving through the waterway. Officials said no U.S. vessels were damaged.

The U.S. said it carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian military sites, including missile and drone launch positions, command centers, and surveillance infrastructure.

Iranian military authorities accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by striking an Iranian oil tanker, another ship, and civilian areas near Qeshm Island, Bandar Khamir, and Sirik. Iranian state media said Iranian forces targeted U.S. naval units in response.

President Trump said the ceasefire remained in effect and that talks with Tehran were continuing. Iran has not given a final response to a U.S. proposal aimed at formally ending the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global oil and gas shipments.

Iran’s foreign ministry said Tehran is still examining the proposal and will respond after completing its review. No public deadline has been confirmed for Iran’s answer.

The proposal is expected to begin a broader diplomatic process covering security terms, sanctions, nuclear limits, and access for commercial ships through the strait.

Trump said progress has been made in recent discussions and said Iran wants to reach an agreement. He also warned that U.S. bombing could resume at a higher level if a deal is not reached.

The United States has paused Project Freedom, a military operation linked to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials have said the wider military campaign has ended, but diplomatic pressure and regional security measures remain in place while talks continue through mediators.

The president said the pause would last for a short period as negotiators look for a possible agreement. U.S. officials have described the mission as defensive and focused on keeping ships moving through one of the world’s most important oil routes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of tension in the conflict with Iran. Many commercial vessels have been delayed or unable to move safely through the area, while the U.S. blockade of ships traveling to and from Iranian ports remains in place.

Defense officials have said the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect, though the situation remains fragile. Recent incidents involving ships, drones, and missiles have kept regional governments on alert.

The disruption has also affected energy markets, with oil and fuel prices rising as traders watch for any further limits on shipping through the strait.

Iranian officials said any safe passage through the strait must be coordinated with Iranian forces. Iranian state media also disputed parts of the U.S. account, including claims that Iranian military boats were destroyed during the latest confrontation.

The United Arab Emirates reported an attack involving an oil-related facility, while Oman said two workers were injured in an incident near its coast. A South Korean cargo ship was also reported damaged in the area, with officials still reviewing the circumstances.

The new incidents have added pressure to an already fragile ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, but shipping security in the Gulf remains uncertain.