Story perspectives

Trump Warns China, Russia Aren’t Helping Iran

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said China and Russia are not helping Iran because they have much to lose.
In August, Treasury sanctioned about 60 entities and vessels for aiding Iran’s illicit nuclear, missile and oil networks.
Reuters reported China bought over 80 % of Iran’s 2025 oil shipments, moving $2-2.5 billion via barter.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed a military-technical cooperation pact with Iran and drone deliveries in March.

History

Historical Context

On 4 November 1979, Iranian students seized the U.S. embassy, holding 66 Americans hostage for 444 days, a crisis that shattered Iran-U.S. ties and prompted U.S. sanctions that have persisted for decades. The episode also drew Soviet backing for Tehran, a pattern echoed today as Iran leans on non-Western partners for oil barter deals.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said China and Russia are not helping Iran because they have much to lose.
In August, Treasury sanctioned about 60 entities and vessels for aiding Iran’s illicit nuclear, missile and oil networks.
Reuters reported China bought over 80 % of Iran’s 2025 oil shipments, moving $2-2.5 billion via barter.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed a military-technical cooperation pact with Iran and drone deliveries in March.

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