Mar 17 • 03:45 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Middle East crisis live: Trump seeks to delay summit with China’s Xi amid Iran war; US embassy in Baghdad reportedly targeted in air attack

Trump has proposed delaying his summit with China's Xi Jinping due to the ongoing Iran war and reports of an air attack targeting the US embassy in Baghdad.

In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East, President Donald Trump has announced a potential delay to his diplomatic trip to China, initially scheduled for this month. The proposed postponement is framed around the necessity for his presence during the Iran war, with Trump stating, 'I want to be here' during this critical period. While there remains uncertainty regarding the exact timing, officials have clarified that the delay is not an attempt to sway China regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite contextual pressures surrounding global trade and diplomacy.

Simultaneously, Iraqi officials reported that the US embassy in Baghdad was the target of drone and rocket attacks, heightening security concerns for American personnel in the region. This incursion underscores the fragility of the security environment in Iraq, which has been marred by instability and targeted violence. These incidents compound the urgency of US involvement and oversight in the region during a time of heightened military conflict involving Iran.

This decision to delay the meeting reflects the broader complexities of international relations, particularly regarding the US-China dynamic amid conflict in the Middle East. As both nations navigate their interests, Trump's administration must balance the immediate need for domestic stability with the long-term implications of international diplomacy, especially in how they engage with allies and adversaries during time-sensitive events such as the ongoing war in Iran.

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