Iran war day 77: Trump and Xi discuss Hormuz as Tehran rallies BRICS
On day 77 of the Iran war, Trump and Xi Jinping discussed the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz at their Beijing meeting. Tehran convened BRICS foreign ministers in India the same day to seek backing against Western sanctions.
Al Jazeera reported that Trump and Xi devoted part of their summit's energy section to shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing reminded its US guest that the bulk of China's crude oil imports pass through the waterway and pressed for it to remain open.
The same day, BRICS foreign ministers met under India's chair at Iran's request. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought political backing against new Western sanctions, while delegates from China, Russia and Brazil supported renewed calls for a ceasefire.
Economies in North Africa and the Sahel are feeling the war-driven fuel price spike acutely. Egypt and Algeria are weighing additional resources for food and energy subsidies in the wake of the BRICS meeting. Oil price moves remain critical for African exporters too.
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