Trump warns China and Russia against selling arms to Iran

President Donald Trump has publicly warned China and Russia not to sell arms to Iran, stating that doing so would be "very bad" for them. In posts on Truth Social, Trump said he believes the assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin that they are not currently supplying weapons to Tehran. Source: hoydo

Context of the warning

The warning comes amid an escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli airstrikes. The war has intensified, with daily attacks in July. Both China and Russia have strategic ties with Iran but have not confirmed any arms transfers. Source: excelsiormx

Key points from Trump's statement

• Trump stated that Xi told him in May that China would not sell arms to Iran, a promise that includes Chinese companies. Source: mileniomx
• Trump also claimed that Putin, despite the war in Ukraine, said Russia would not sell arms to Iran. Source: excelsiormx
• Trump differentiated US arms policy: the US sends weapons to Ukraine via NATO, which pays in full, and the US has no control over their distribution. Source: hoydo

Potential implications

Washington is concerned that any military support from China or Russia could expand the conflict. US officials are monitoring possible transfers of military technology or intelligence. The war has also threatened the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage. Source: excelsiormx