Trump Discusses Sanctions Relief with Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday, May 15, 2026, that he discussed lifting sanctions on Chinese companies purchasing Iranian oil during his visit to Beijing. The President indicated a decision would be made in the coming days following his two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The U.S. had recently imposed sanctions on several Chinese oil refiners, including Hengli Petrochemical, for their involvement in buying Iranian oil. During the summit, U.S. officials, including President Trump, also raised the prospect of China increasing its purchases of American energy, though Chinese readouts of the meetings did not confirm any agreements.

President Trump also conveyed that his patience with Iran was diminishing. He stated that he and President Xi agreed Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump added that he would accept Iran suspending its nuclear program for 20 years, provided there was a "real" commitment from Tehran.