President Trump issued a stern warning to China and Russia against military involvement in the conflict with Iran, stating it would be "very bad for them." He expressed trust that leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin would not assist Tehran, despite intelligence suggesting otherwise.
The statements underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran, with the U.S. seeking to deter external involvement while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels and maintaining military pressure.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to China and Russia against military involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that such actions would be "very bad for them." Trump expressed trust in both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin not to assist Iran, citing past assurances. He recalled a meeting with Xi where the Chinese leader allegedly pledged not to sell weapons to the Islamic Republic, including through Chinese companies. Trump also stated that Putin had similarly assured him that Russia would not sell weapons to Iran. These comments come amid reports from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggesting that both Russia and China are involved in enabling Iran's actions, though the specifics were not detailed. U.S. intelligence is reportedly investigating whether Russia has provided Iran with targeting information or drone technology, particularly after Iranian strikes on CIA targets earlier in the conflict. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Russian and Chinese entities for aiding Iran's arms purchases. Trump also indicated that Iran was becoming "very serious" in talks with Washington. On Friday, U.S. missiles struck targets across Iran, and Trump vowed "major military punishment" for Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen. The Iranian armed forces responded by firing at U.S. bases in neighboring Arab countries. Trump later stated that Iran is currently in talks with the U.S. and would "love to make a deal," but emphasized that Tehran cannot possess a nuclear weapon, noting that its navy and air force have been severely weakened by repeated American strikes.
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