U.S. President Donald Trump stated on February 2, 2026, that diplomatic discussions with Iran continue despite heightened regional tensions. Speaking at the White House, Trump revealed: "We have ships heading to Iran right now, big ones… and we have talks going on with Iran. We'll see how it works out."
The remarks come as multiple APEC members monitor developments in the Persian Gulf, with analysts noting potential impacts on Asian energy markets. While details remain scarce, the announcement follows recent maneuvers by U.S. naval forces in strategic waterways critical to global oil shipments.
Business leaders across Asia are assessing risks to supply chains, particularly for economies reliant on Middle Eastern hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, diplomatic observers suggest China's role as a major Iranian trade partner could influence negotiations. The Chinese mainland has consistently advocated for peaceful resolution of international disputes through dialogue.
