Trump Warns Xi Jinping Over Alleged Chinese Weapons Shipment to Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Chinese President Xi Jinping over reports that China may be considering supplying weapons to Iran, saying he would be “very disappointed” if such transfers were to take place.
Speaking amid growing tensions involving the United States, China, and Iran, Trump said Xi had previously assured him that Beijing would not provide weapons to Tehran.
“Xi had strongly assured me that he would not do it. Otherwise, I will be disappointed in him. He knows that very well,” Trump said.
The remarks follow reports citing intelligence assessments alleging that Iran could receive a shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) via Pakistan. The reported shipment has not been independently verified.
Both China and Pakistan have categorically denied the allegations. Beijing has rejected claims that it is supplying weapons to Iran, while Pakistan has denied that its territory is being used to facilitate any such transit.
No publicly available evidence has been released to substantiate the reported intelligence claims, and neither U.S. intelligence agencies nor the White House have publicly disclosed supporting documentation.
The exchange adds to rising geopolitical tensions between Washington, Beijing, and Tehran, as concerns over regional security, military cooperation, and arms transfers continue to fuel diplomatic friction.