First Thing: US attacks tanker in continuing Iran conflict as Tehran releases US citizen

Iran reportedly fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a container ship sustained heavy damage to its bridge after being fired upon by an IRGC gunboat near Oman, though the crew was safe. Another outbound cargo ship was also fired upon and stopped in the water, with its crew safe and no reported damage. Iranian media stated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two vessels, the MSC-Francesca and Epaminodes, and was escorting them to Iran, claiming they endangered maritime security. The IRGC Navy stated that disrupting order in the Strait of Hormuz is a red line and alleged the MSC-Francesca is linked to the "Zionist regime."

President Trump announced a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, effective immediately. The US Navy will interdict vessels that have paid tolls to Iran and destroy Iranian mines in the Strait. Trump stated the goal is to reach a point where all ships can freely pass, but warned of severe consequences for any hostile actions against US or peaceful vessels. This announcement followed unsuccessful talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan, raising concerns about the future of a ceasefire that had capped a month of escalating conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The blockade aims to prevent Iran from collecting illegal tolls and ensure safe passage in international waters.

China has criticized the United States' potential blockade of Iranian ports, deeming it "irresponsible and dangerous." This statement follows US accusations of "economic terrorism" against Iran for disrupting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman urged all parties to adhere to ceasefire arrangements, prioritize dialogue, and restore normal traffic in the strait. The spokesman also refuted reports that China was preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran, dismissing them as fabrications. He further stated that China would take countermeasures if the US imposed tariffs based on these accusations. The US had threatened tariffs on Chinese goods if military assistance was provided to Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss geopolitical issues, including the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Xi Jinping called for stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of their relationship amidst international instability. He urged both countries to protect their interests and support Global South unity. Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war on Tuesday. Lavrov offered that Moscow could compensate for China's energy shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.

China has criticized the United States' blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as "dangerous and irresponsible." Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated in Beijing on Tuesday that the US action risks escalating tensions, undermining the existing ceasefire, and jeopardizing navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz. China urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and prioritize dialogue to de-escalate the regional situation. They also called for the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement highlights China's concern over the potential destabilizing effects of the US blockade on regional stability and maritime security.

A Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, retreated twice in 48 hours from the Strait of Hormuz, where a US naval blockade is in effect. The vessel, which is sanctioned by the US and flies the flag of Malawi, initially approached the strait on Monday after departing from the UAE, but turned back shortly before entering. On Tuesday, it entered the Gulf of Oman before making a U-turn and anchoring near Iran's Larak Island by Wednesday evening. The Rich Starry is reportedly carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol acquired in the UAE. Analysts suggest that the incident reflects the risks commercial vessels face due to the blockade, with no ships receiving preferential treatment.

Despite a newly imposed US blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports, at least three tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. These vessels were not heading to Iran and therefore not directly affected by the blockade. One tanker, the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, is transporting Iranian naphtha to the UAE. Two US-sanctioned tankers, Murlikishan and Rich Starry, also passed through the strait. Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil, while Rich Starry, sanctioned for dealing with Iran, exited the Gulf carrying methanol after loading cargo in the UAE. The US blockade was announced after failed peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan.

The US-Iran war, initiated by US strikes in late February, has significantly impacted China-US relations. A planned March meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi was postponed and rescheduled for May, but the conflict threatens to overshadow trade discussions. Initially, analysts predicted short-term benefits for China, including higher oil prices hurting the US more and distracting Washington from Asia-Pacific security concerns. However, China now faces potential long-term risks, primarily concerning energy security. Rising pump prices and potential shortages threaten Beijing's long-term planning, undermining China's energy security. The US has accused China of being an unreliable partner for stockpiling oil, while China accuses the US of dangerous behavior and threatens retaliation against tariffs.