Trump Credits Xi and Putin for Neutrality During Iran Conflict

Trump asserted that Beijing and Moscow refrained from deploying significant military assets, such as escorting oil shipments with destroyer fleets, which prevented the situation from escalating. He specifically highlighted that the leaders avoided supplying Tehran with advanced weaponry, including shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. This praise for foreign rivals stood in sharp contrast to Trump’s vocal criticism of traditional U.S. allies in Japan and Europe, whom he accused of failing to support efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the president’s remarks, the underlying geopolitical reality remains complex. While Trump credits Xi with helping to resolve the crisis, U.S. intelligence suggests Beijing continued to supply Tehran with dual-use goods throughout the hostilities. Furthermore, Chinese independent refiners have consistently defied U.S. sanctions to purchase Iranian oil. Both Russia and China have publicly challenged the U.S. narrative, with Moscow warning of a regional nuclear arms race and Beijing labeling Washington’s strikes as a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Neither the Chinese nor Russian embassies in Washington provided immediate comment on the president’s statements.