Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated Monday that he does not believe China and Russia are providing assistance to Iran, asserting that both nations "have too much to lose."
Trump's remarks addressed reports suggesting Chinese and Russian entities have supplied Iran with intelligence for attacks against U.S. forces. In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to these claims by saying, "If they are, it's at a very low level, but I don't believe they are at all." He added, "They have too much to lose, and we would know about it, and know about it very fast!"
This statement echoes comments Trump made in July, when he expressed disbelief that China and Russia were selling weapons to Iran, warning of severe consequences for them if they were involved.
Both China and Russia maintain significant relationships with Iran but have largely avoided direct involvement in the ongoing regional conflict, which escalated following U.S. and Israeli actions on February 28. Russia has officially provided humanitarian aid to Iran but has not announced any substantial concrete assistance. The Kremlin has denied media allegations of passing sensitive intelligence, such as the positions of U.S. naval and air assets, to Iran.
China has publicly condemned U.S. and Israeli strikes while also criticizing Iranian actions in the Gulf and the disruption of maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. Past reports have indicated China's supply of drones and dual-use equipment to Iran, though Beijing has denied specific allegations regarding its semiconductor industry. Additionally, China and Russia have faced accusations of aiding Iran in circumventing international sanctions on its oil exports.
Trump has consistently adopted a more accommodating stance towards Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to some of Washington's traditional allies, emphasizing the need to respect them as leaders of major global powers.
