Iran war looms over Trump’s China visit, shifts Middle East alliances

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is shifting Middle East alliances, with Israel and the UAE establishing closer relations while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait conduct military operations against Iran-backed militias. Iran is tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic goal, aiming to increase revenue and foreign policy leverage. The conflict continues to severely impact global oil supply and the gap between US and Iranian demands for an end to the war remains significant.