[61292] Donald Trump declares continuation of military campaign against Iran and summarizes his visit to China
Tensions with Iran and the results of the visit to China
In a series of dramatic statements, US President Donald Trump addressed the security situation with Iran and the results of his official visit to China this morning, May 16, 2026. According to Iran International, Trump described his visit to China as a "great success" and noted that "phenomenal trade deals" were achieved, while refraining from disclosing further details at this stage.
Regarding the campaign against Tehran, Trump stated in an interview with Fox News, as reported by Iran International, that the US will continue to pressure Iran despite the economic burden on the American public, due to the need to stop what he called a "crazy group." According to him, Iran's military capabilities have been severely damaged: "They have no air force, they have no navy, everything has been destroyed." Cafe Siasat added that Trump confirmed that another round of fighting is on the way, noting that the previous operation was only about 75% complete and that further military "cleanup" is possible after the ceasefire granted at Pakistan's request.
Regarding control of strategic passages, Trump emphasized that Tehran will not be able to use the Strait of Hormuz as a "weapon" against him, as quoted in Cafe Siasat. While the president noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered help in resolving the straits crisis, Trump clarified on Iran International: "We don't need help... The problem with help is that whoever helps you always wants something in return."
On the political level, SNN.ir (a news agency identified with positions critical of the West) reported on Trump's reserved stance towards Taiwan, with the president defining his position as "neutral" and casting doubt on the need for the US to intervene militarily at a distance of 9,500 miles. At the same time, IRNA News Agency (the Iranian state news agency) presented a different angle, quoting analyst Vali Nasr, who argued that an agreement between the US and Iran is a necessary condition for any regional security arrangement in the Middle East.