Trump says Xi could help broker Iran deal, but insists US ‘will handle it one way or another’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping could possibly help broker a deal with Iran but made clear that the US can handle the situation alone, touting his administration’s continued confidence as tensions with Tehran remain high.

Trump projected strength on the Iran issue, dismissing suggestions that Washington was relying on Beijing’s influence to bring the conflict closer to resolution before departing for a major summit in China.

Trump confident US can handle Iran alone

Trump told reporters he expects to discuss Iran during upcoming talks with Xi but stressed that China’s assistance is not essential for the United States to achieve its objectives.

Trump’s comments came in response to a question during a gaggle with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for Beijing, China.

“Do you think President Xi can help and contribute to a deal with Iran?” a reporter asked.

“He could. I mean, it might be. I don’t think we need any help with Iran, to be honest with you. They’re defeated militarily, and they’ll either do the right thing, or we’ll finish the job.”

The comments reflected Trump’s increasingly forceful posture toward Tehran as his administration continues pressing Iran over its nuclear ambitions and regional military activities.

Although China remains one of Iran’s largest trading partners and a major buyer of Iranian oil, Trump signaled confidence that the United States maintains the upper hand regardless of Beijing’s involvement.

“We have Iran very much under control,” Trump later added while speaking to reporters before his trip to China.

Trump-Xi talks overshadowed by Iran tensions

Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi is expected to focus heavily on trade, Taiwan, and broader US-China tensions, though the Iran conflict has emerged as a major backdrop to the summit.

According to the White House pool report, the president was asked by another outlet about his message to Xi regarding Iran.

“I think number one, we’re going to have a long talk about it. I think he’s been relatively good, to be honest with you. Look at the blockade. No problem. They get a lot of their oil from that area. We’ve had no problem,” Trump said.

“And he’s been a friend of mine. He’s been somebody that we get along with. And I think you’re going to see that good things are going to happen. This is going to be a very exciting trip. A lot of good things are going to happen,” he added.

Trump has said he is looking forward to the trip, which comes as he has sought to redefine America’s standing on the world stage economically, militarily, and diplomatically since returning to office in January 2025.

Trump allies have increasingly portrayed the president as negotiating from a position of strength, contrasting his approach with previous administrations they accused of being too soft on Iran.

According to analysts, Beijing could attempt to use the conflict to gain leverage during negotiations with Washington, particularly given China’s economic ties with Tehran and its influence in the region.

Still, Trump appeared determined to avoid projecting any dependence on Xi regarding the Iran situation.