Trump states Iran called for a deal, mentions Xi Jinping's desire for war to end

US President Donald Trump announced today at the White House that Iran initiated a call, expressing a strong desire to reach an agreement. He also mentioned that he has not yet spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but that Xi Jinping hopes to see the Iran war end. This statement followed less than three hours after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Marathon talks between the US and Iran over the weekend in Pakistan failed to reach an agreement. Trump emphasized that the core issue in negotiations was the 'nuclear problem,' adding that 'Iran will not have nuclear weapons.' He stated, 'We agreed on many things, but they did not agree on this point, and I think they will agree. I am almost certain, in fact, I am certain. If they don't agree, there will be no deal, and there will never be a deal.' According to Bloomberg News, when asked if the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was intended to force Iran back to the negotiating table or to restore passage to lower oil prices, Trump replied, 'Both, and more.' He also asserted that Iran's blockade of the strait was 'blackmailing the world,' and the US would not allow it. Trump also told reporters at the White House that 'our relationship with China is quite good,' and Xi Jinping 'hopes' to see the war end. Trump had earlier posted that 'Yesterday, a total of 34 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the highest number since this foolish blockade began.'