Washington, DC [US], April 15 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has claimed that China has committed to halting weapons supplies to Iran following his direct diplomatic engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Beijing supports Washington’s efforts to ensure the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that has been at the center of rising regional tensions since the February 28 US-Israel strikes on Iran.
“China is very happy that I am permanently opening the Strait of Hormuz. I am doing it for them, also—and the world. This situation will never happen again. They have agreed not to send weapons to Iran,” Trump wrote.
Striking an upbeat tone about his relationship with the Chinese leadership, he added, “President Xi will give me a big, fat hug when I get there in a few weeks. We are working together smartly, and very well! Doesn’t that beat fighting?”
He also issued a warning about US military strength, stating, “But remember, we are very good at fighting, if we have to—far better than anyone else.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said in an interview with Fox Business that the understanding with China was reached through a direct exchange of correspondence.
After hearing reports of Beijing’s alleged military support for Tehran, Trump said, “I had heard that China’s giving weapons to Iran. I mean, you’re seeing it all over the place.”
He added that he personally raised the issue with Xi Jinping. “I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying that essentially he’s not doing that,” Trump said.
These developments come amid increased pressure from the Trump administration on countries suspected of supporting Iran’s military capabilities.
Trump has previously warned that nations supplying arms to Tehran could face severe economic penalties, including tariffs of up to 50 percent.
Defending recent US military actions, Trump said strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were necessary to prevent further escalation.
“They would have had a nuclear weapon within weeks, and they would have used it,” he said, while again criticizing the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration.
Trump also expressed confidence that the US-led blockade on Iranian ports has encountered limited resistance from major global powers, including China and Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the risk of Iranian retaliation against Gulf nations has decreased. (ANI)
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