Trump reveals new details of conversations with Xi and Putin as Iran tensions persist
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin each personally assured him they would neither provide nor sell weapons to Iran, revealing details of what he described as recent conversations with the two leaders as tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer.
In a Truth Social post on Friday, July 24, Trump said Xi Jinping made the commitment during a meeting in Beijing, while Putin gave him the same assurance in a separate conversation.
The comments amount to a significant geopolitical claim, suggesting both Beijing and Moscow have privately distanced themselves from supplying Tehran with military hardware despite maintaining close ties with the Islamic Republic.
Trump's remarks come as the United States continues monitoring Iran following months of heightened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of military cooperation between Tehran and its international partners.
Trump details talks with Xi Jinping
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote that Xi told him China "would not, under any circumstances, give or sell weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Trump said he believed Xi kept that promise and added that the Chinese leader was doing him "very big favors."
While Beijing has maintained extensive economic and diplomatic relations with Tehran, Trump indicated that the Chinese president had privately ruled out military assistance, a claim that has not been independently verified by either government.
Vladimir Putin reportedly offered the same pledge
Trump said Putin similarly assured him that Russia would not sell weapons to Iran, adding that the Russian leader "understands that I do not sell weapons to Ukraine, but to NATO countries."
The president argued NATO members purchase American-made weapons before transferring them to Kyiv, suggesting Putin recognized the distinction.
Moscow has not publicly confirmed Trump's account of the conversation, and the Kremlin has not issued any immediate statement regarding the reported pledge.
Claims carry wider implications
If accurate, Trump's account would represent a notable diplomatic development involving three major powers at a time when Washington remains focused on preventing further escalation involving Iran.
China and Russia have long maintained strategic partnerships with Tehran while also seeking to preserve broader regional stability.
Trump's claim that both leaders privately rejected supplying Iran with weapons could influence perceptions of how Beijing and Moscow intend to balance those competing interests.
Neither the Chinese nor Russian government had publicly responded to Trump's assertions at the time of publication.
The statements nevertheless offer a rare glimpse into what Trump described as private exchanges with two of America's principal geopolitical rivals, while underscoring the continuing international focus on Iran's role in the region and the broader security calculations surrounding the Middle East.
