Key Takeaways
- U.S. President Donald Trump warned China and Russia not to get involved in the ongoing Iran conflict.
- Trump stated that if either country did intervene, it would be 'very bad for them'.
- The U.S. has sanctioned Russian and Chinese entities for assisting Iran with weapons purchases.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to China and Russia on Friday, cautioning that any involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran would be detrimental to their interests.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which he was assured that no weapons would be provided or sold to Iran by China. He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made similar assurances regarding Russia’s non-involvement in the conflict.
The United States and Iran have been engaged in a prolonged conflict since February, when U.S. and Israeli strikes killed senior Iranian officials, including the country's supreme leader. This has escalated tensions between the two nations significantly.
According to sources familiar with U.S. intelligence, there were concerns that Russian entities might be assisting Iran with targeting information or drone technology following Iranian strikes on CIA targets in the Gulf earlier this year. However, the Kremlin declined to comment on these reports.
The United States has taken steps to prevent such cooperation by sanctioning individuals and companies from Russia and China who have been found aiding Iran’s weapons procurement efforts. The U.S. House recently approved a budget plan worth $95 billion that includes funding for the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump's warning comes as both China and Russia maintain a cautious stance in their dealings with Iran, likely influenced by their own strategic interests and the potential risks of direct involvement in a conflict with the United States.
While neither country has officially declared support or intervention in the conflict, Trump’s statement serves as a clear indication that any such move would not be well-received by the U.S. administration.
President Xi, at our recent meeting in Beijing, China, told me that he would not, under any circumstances, give or sell Weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran — And that statement included Chinese Companies
Donald Trump, U.S. President
If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests
Donald Trump, U.S. President
