Did China conduct secret nuclear tests? The United States thinks so. Host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and NPR China correspondent Jennifer Pak about China's nuclear arsenal and U.

As the United States concentrates its military forces in the waters near Iran, Iran has announced the commencement of regular tri-service naval drills with China and Russia in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported on the 18th,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation in Iran in a wide-ranging call as the US administration pushes Beijing and others to further isolate Tehran.

Targeting Iran’s oil sales to China could test the limits of Beijing’s backing as Washington seeks leverage in renewed nuclear negotiations.

By the end of 2025, Iran saw massive protests that began with merchants in its Grand Bazaar. These demonstrations quickly spread, fueled by high inflation, political frustration, and unfulfilled reform promises after the 12-day war,

As Iran’s top trade partner and key energy importer, China can quietly push Tehran toward a deal, especially if it hints that oil purchases or investment flows could be affected by escalations.

US President Donald Trump agreed to increase US economic pressure on Iran during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House last week , Axios reported on Saturday. The pressure will be focused mostly on oil sales to China, two US officials told the outlet.

Russia, China and Iran have launched high-intensity joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, signaling deeper military alignment. The Maritime Security Belt exercise unfolds near the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil flows.