Trump Says China, Russia Not Helping Iran, Says US Would Quickly Detect Any Support

13/10/2026

Trump Says China, Russia Not Helping Iran, Says US Would Quickly Detect Any Support

WASHINGTON, Oct 13: US President Donald Trump said Monday that he does not believe China and Russia are helping Iran in its war with the United States and Israel, arguing that both countries have too much to lose by becoming involved.

Responding to suggestions that Beijing and Moscow were assisting Tehran, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “If they are, it’s at a very low level, but I don’t believe they are at all.”

“They have too much to lose, and we would know about it, and know about it very fast!” he added.

Trump’s remarks echoed a July 24 statement in which he said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that China would not supply or sell weapons to Iran, including through Chinese companies. Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had told him that Moscow would not sell weapons to Tehran. He warned at the time that any such involvement would have serious consequences for Beijing and Moscow.

The statements come amid continuing US concerns over possible assistance to Iran from foreign governments and companies. In May, the Trump administration sanctioned Chinese companies accused of supporting Iran’s military procurement network and providing satellite imagery allegedly used to help Tehran target US forces. Beijing has denied allegations that Chinese entities assisted Iran’s military.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region and severe disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supplies.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have also faced difficulties. A memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran was signed in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, with the aim of addressing outstanding issues, including the cessation of military operations and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, negotiations have stalled amid disagreements over the terms of a settlement and the reopening of the strategic waterway.