US President Donald Trump has said he trusts China and Russia not to provide military support to Iran, revealing that both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin assured him their countries would not supply weapons to Tehran.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said any decision by either country to arm Iran would have serious consequences, describing such a move as “very bad” for both nations.
Trump says Xi and Putin gave personal assurances
According to Trump, Xi Jinping assured him during their recent meeting in Beijing that China would neither provide nor sell weapons to Iran, including through Chinese companies.
Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed a similar assurance, stating that Russia would not supply arms to Tehran.
Asked whether he believed the commitments, Trump responded that he trusted both leaders and did not think either country was assisting Iran militarily.
Remarks differ from recent US security concerns
Trump’s comments come at a time when some US officials have expressed concerns about potential foreign support for Iran.
Earlier this week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that both Russia and China were involved in activities that were “enabling some of the things Iran is doing,” although he did not elaborate or provide specific details.
The differing statements highlight ongoing uncertainty within Washington over the extent of international support available to Tehran.
Reports suggest intelligence agencies are monitoring developments
US intelligence agencies have reportedly been examining whether Russia may have provided Iran with targeting information or drone-related technology following Iranian strikes on CIA-linked targets in the Gulf.
However, no official confirmation has been issued, and the Kremlin has declined to comment on the reports.
US has previously imposed sanctions
The United States has previously sanctioned several individuals and companies based in Russia and China over allegations of assisting Iran in acquiring military equipment and weapons-related technology.
Trump’s latest remarks suggest he believes both Beijing and Moscow will honor their assurances despite the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran.
Key Highlights
- Donald Trump said he trusts China and Russia not to provide weapons to Iran.
- Trump claimed Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin personally assured him that their countries would not arm Tehran.
- The US President warned that any military support for Iran would have serious consequences.
- Trump’s remarks contrast with recent concerns expressed by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- US intelligence is reportedly monitoring possible Russian assistance to Iran.
- The US has previously imposed sanctions on Russian and Chinese entities over alleged support for Iran.
FAQs
Q1. What did Donald Trump say about China and Russia’s support for Iran?
Trump said both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin assured him that their countries would not supply weapons to Iran, and that he trusts those assurances.
Q2. Did Trump warn China and Russia about helping Iran?
Yes. Trump said any decision by either country to arm Iran would be “very bad” and could have serious consequences.
Q3. Why are Trump’s comments significant?
His remarks differ from recent statements by US officials who have suggested Russia and China may be enabling some of Iran’s activities.
Q4. What did Pete Hegseth say about Iran?
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently told lawmakers that Russia and China were involved in activities supporting Iran, though he did not provide specific details.
Q5. Has the US sanctioned Russia and China over Iran before?
Yes. The United States has previously imposed sanctions on individuals and companies in Russia and China accused of helping Iran obtain weapons and military technology.
Q6. Has Russia responded to reports of assisting Iran?
The Kremlin has declined to comment on reports suggesting Russia may have provided Iran with targeting information or drone-related technology.
