'He said that today': Trump takes Xi's private Iran pledge straight to Fox News
BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump revealed new details from his private talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying Beijing has signaled it will not supply military equipment to Iran and may be willing to play a constructive role in any future diplomatic settlement.
Trump’s exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity is scheduled to air on Thursday, May 14.
The president offered a rare glimpse into how one of Tehran’s biggest economic partners may be positioning itself as the Iran conflict continues to reshape global alliances.
Fox News’ Sean Hannity: Did you discuss China's support for Iran with President Xi Jinping today?
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) May 14, 2026
President Trump: “We discussed it. I mean, when you say ‘support,’ they're not fighting a war with us or anything. He said he's not going to give military equipment. That's a big… pic.twitter.com/ToXqMEJy5H
Trump shares details from conversation with Xi Jinping on Iran
Speaking in the interview after his meetings in Beijing, Trump said the subject of China’s relationship with Iran came up directly during his conversation with Xi.
When asked whether he had raised Chinese support for Tehran, Trump said the two leaders discussed it candidly and claimed Xi made what he described as a significant commitment.
“We discussed it,” Trump said. “When you say support, they’re not fighting a war with us or anything.”
He then revealed what Xi allegedly told him behind closed doors.
“He said he’s not going to give military equipment. That’s a big statement. He said that today, he said that strongly,” Trump said.
Trump suggested the assurance could have major implications as Washington continues monitoring foreign support networks connected to Iran’s military and energy infrastructure.
At the same time, Trump acknowledged that China’s economic ties with Tehran remain very much intact.
“But at the same time,” Trump said, “he said they buy a lot of their oil there, and they’d like to keep doing that.”
President Trump: “[Chinese] President Xi would like to see a deal made [with Iran]… He did offer, he said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help.’ … Anybody that buys that much oil has obviously got some kind of a relationship with them … He’d like to see… pic.twitter.com/EYjXb9st9M
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) May 14, 2026
China remains one of Iran’s largest energy customers, and its continued oil purchases have long complicated Western efforts to isolate Tehran economically.
Trump claims China can broker deal
Trump also said Xi appeared interested in helping de-escalate the broader regional conflict rather than fueling it.
“President Xi would like to see a deal made,” Trump said. According to the president, Xi even personally offered assistance if diplomatic channels begin to open. “He said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to be of help.’”
Trump added that China’s commercial dependence on Middle Eastern energy gives Beijing strong incentives to prevent further escalation.
“Anybody that buys that much oil has obviously got some kind of a relationship with them,” Trump said, before adding that Xi “would like to see the Strait of Hormuz open.”
That final point is significant, as the Strait remains one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors and has become a central flashpoint in the Iran conflict.
