Trump Warns China, Russia Against Arming Iran, Cites Assurances from Xi, Putin
US President Donald Trump has warned China and Russia against selling weapons to Iran, while stating that he believes assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin that they are not currently doing so.
In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump said: 'Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating. If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests.'
Trump's comments come amid reports that Washington is investigating whether Moscow and Beijing are providing Iran with targeting information, following a series of attacks on US bases in the region.
The US leader said Xi had told him during their meeting in Beijing in May that China would not arm Iran under any circumstances. 'Considering our relationship, I take him at his word,' Trump added.
Trump also said Putin had made a similar promise despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. 'He understands that I do not sell Weapons to Ukraine, but to NATO Countries. They pay full price, and how those Weapons are distributed, I have no idea,' Trump wrote.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump doubled down: 'I mean, I will tell you that President Xi said he will not partake, and President Putin said the same thing. I think you know I trust them. I don't think they'd want to have me disappointed.'
Trump has frequently taken a more deferential tone towards Xi and Putin than towards Washington's own allies, stating that they must be respected as leaders of major world powers.
