Trump Trusts China and Russia Not to Aid Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

On July 24, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he “trusts” both President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia not to provide weapons or other support to Iran in its war with the United States and Israel. The remarks followed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony to a Senate committee that China and Russia are “enabling” Iran at various levels.

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The United States and Iran have been at war since February, when U.S. and Israeli strikes killed senior Iranian officials, including the country’s supreme leader. Since then, Iranian attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf have prompted U.S. intelligence to probe whether Russia is supplying targeting data or drone technology, and whether China has provided missiles, radar or satellite-derived targeting information.

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President Trump cited personal meetings with Xi in Beijing and with Putin, saying both leaders assured him they would not sell weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He emphasized that he takes their statements “at face value.” Hegseth, speaking at the Senate hearing, said both nations are “enabling” Iran in “different levels,” without specifying the means. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine declined to comment, noting the information is classified. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, questioned the basis of Hegseth’s claim, asking reporters twice, “Who says they are?” and suggesting the defense secretary’s accusations lacked specificity.

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• “I don't know that they're enabling (Iran),” — Donald Trump, president “I don't know that they're enabling (Iran),” — Donald Trump, president

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• “There are ways in which both of those countries are, at different levels, enabling some of the things Iran is doing, yes,” — Pete Hegseth, after defense secretary “There are ways in which both of those countries are, at different levels, enabling some of the things Iran is doing, yes,” — Pete Hegseth, after defense secretary

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• — Donald Trump, president “Considering our relationship, I take him at his word and, besides, l am doing him very big favors, also. Likewise, President Putin … told me that he would not sell Weapons to Iran.” — Donald Trump, president

The Hill

• “Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating. If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests.” — Pete Hegseth, after defense secretary “Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating. If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests.” — Pete Hegseth, after defense secretary

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