The president has sought to force Iran to accept his terms on its nuclear program or else face renewed war. An emboldened Iran has rebuffed Trump’s demands.
Top aides have drafted battle plans as peace negotiations have stalled.
Hopes for an end to the war in Iran faded after President Trump failed to secure a commitment from China to help persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The Gulf Arab states have been grappling with how to deter Iran after the war made clear the limits of American security guarantees.
He has minimized soaring gas prices, rising inflation and the American economy’s need for the Strait of Hormuz.
The president is expected to urge the Chinese leader to help ease tensions in the Middle East by helping to persuade Iran to end the war.
The president’s top military adviser is walking a tightrope as he leads the military through a divisive and unpopular war.
The effort involves plans to send weapons through other countries in an effort to hide the origins of the shipments.
As the U.S. tries to rebuild its weapons stockpiles drained in the Iran war, it will need access to rare-earth minerals, an industry China dominates.
Before leaving Washington on Tuesday, the president reiterated threats to decimate Iran if it doesn’t agree to a deal to resolve the conflict.