Trump Thanks Xi and Putin for Staying Neutral in Iran War

US President Donald Trump thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for remaining “neutral” during the war with Iran, saying they had not obstructed US efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Speaking after the adoption of a ceasefire agreement at the Group of Seven summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Trump said both leaders could have made the situation far more difficult.

“I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better”, Trump said.

He praised Xi in particular for refraining from sending major weapons or shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles to Iran and suggested that the Chinese leader had helped bring the conflict to an end.

“President Xi helped me. He tried to help, and I think he probably helped get it solved”, Trump said.

His remarks contrasted with his criticism of US allies in Europe and Asia for failing to support the military operation or subsequent efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz.

Moscow and Beijing have long maintained close ties with Tehran. China condemned the US attacks as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, while Russia warned that the war could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

US intelligence officials believe China supplied Iran with goods that could have military uses, according to people familiar with the matter. Independent Chinese refiners also remained Iran’s main oil customers during the conflict despite US sanctions.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing’s position had remained “consistent” and that it had been “working tirelessly for the end of fighting and peace”.

(Reuters, bak)