WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes China and Russia will not provide military assistance to Iran amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, while warning that any support from Beijing or Moscow would carry “very bad consequences” for their own interests. His remarks come as tensions in the Middle East remain high and questions continue over the role of major global powers in the regional crisis.
In a post published Friday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him during a recent meeting in Beijing that China would neither supply nor sell weapons to Iran under any circumstances. Trump further claimed that the commitment extends to Chinese companies, which he said would also be prohibited from providing military equipment or related support to Tehran.
Trump also stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given him similar assurances, saying he believes neither Russia nor China is taking Iran’s side in the conflict. However, he coupled those remarks with a pointed warning, writing that if either country were to assist Iran, “it would be very bad for their own interests.”
Speaking later to reporters at the White House, Trump reiterated his confidence in both leaders. Asked whether China or Russia was helping Iran, he replied, “I don’t think they’re helping Iran. I trust them.” The comments suggest the president is relying on direct diplomatic communications with Beijing and Moscow despite growing concerns within parts of the U.S. national security establishment.
Trump’s assessment, however, contrasts with recent remarks by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. During a Senate hearing earlier this week, Hegseth said Russia and China had been assisting Iran “at various levels,” although he did not provide specific intelligence or publicly disclose evidence supporting the claim. He added that Iran’s current military activities involve some level of support from both countries, without elaborating further.
According to U.S. officials, American intelligence agencies launched investigations earlier in the conflict following an Iranian strike on a CIA-linked facility in the Gulf region. Investigators sought to determine whether Russia had provided Iran with targeting assistance, intelligence support or drone-related technology. The Kremlin declined to comment publicly on the allegations when questioned on Thursday.
Washington has previously imposed sanctions on several Russian and Chinese individuals, companies and commercial networks accused of facilitating Iran’s procurement of weapons and military-related technology. U.S. authorities have argued that the measures are intended to disrupt Tehran’s access to advanced defence capabilities and prevent sanctions evasion.
Analysts say Trump’s latest comments reflect a dual-track approach—expressing confidence in continued diplomatic engagement with Beijing and Moscow while simultaneously issuing a clear warning against any direct military assistance to Tehran. They note that the apparent divergence between the president’s public statements and the Pentagon’s assessment highlights differing views within the U.S. administration over the extent of Russian and Chinese involvement in Iran’s military activities.
As the conflict continues to reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East, the positions of the United States, China and Russia are expected to remain central to international diplomacy. Any evidence of expanded military cooperation with Iran could significantly affect regional security, global energy markets and the broader geopolitical balance among the world’s major powers.
Trump demands China-Russia stand on Iran issue, warns of ‘very bad consequences’ if they cooperate
