'Thought I Had Understanding With Xi': Trump Says US Seized Ship Carrying 'Gift From China' For Iran

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 23:37 IST

Trump claimed that US forces had intercepted a ship carrying what he described as a “gift from China” bound for Iran.

US President Donald Trump said the United States is in a “very strong negotiating position" with Iran and expects a “great deal," even as tensions escalate over maritime interceptions and stalled diplomatic talks.

Speaking to CNBC, Trump claimed that US forces had intercepted a ship carrying what he described as a “gift from China" bound for Iran. He said the cargo “wasn’t very nice," but did not provide details about what was seized, where the interception occurred or what specific vessel was involved.

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“Thought I had understanding with Xi," Trump said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting he believed there was an understanding regarding Chinese shipments to Iran.

The comments come as Washington prepares for further negotiations with Tehran. A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected to depart Washington for a new round of talks, reportedly taking place in Islamabad. The first round of discussions ended without breakthrough.

Trump said the US remains confident of securing an agreement with Iran.

“We’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice… We’re in a very, very strong negotiating position," he said.

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Despite a fragile 10-day ceasefire framework, Iranian officials have rejected key US conditions, calling them excessive. Iranian state media has also disputed reports of imminent talks, saying no delegation had departed for Islamabad.

Trump said he believed earlier assurances from Beijing had indicated there would be no weapons transfers to Iran.

“I thought I had an understanding," he said, without elaborating.

It remains unclear whether Washington will extend the ceasefire framework if ongoing negotiations fail to make progress. Trump signalled flexibility but also warned of continued pressure.

“Iran can get themselves on a very good footing if they make a deal," he said, while also suggesting consequences could follow if diplomacy fails.

News world 'Thought I Had Understanding With Xi': Trump Says US Seized Ship Carrying 'Gift From China' For Iran

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