WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he does not believe China and Russia are helping Iran in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, arguing that both countries would face serious consequences if they became involved.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, October 12, Trump responded to claims that Beijing and Moscow were assisting Tehran.
“If they are, it’s at a very low level, but I don’t believe they are at all,” he wrote.
“They have too much to lose, and we would know about it, and know about it very fast!” he added.
Trump’s remarks come amid continuing tensions over Iran’s military capabilities and the extent of support it may be receiving from other countries.
Trump Repeats Earlier Assurances From China and Russia
Trump’s latest comments echo statements he made in July, when he said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that Beijing would not sell weapons to Iran under any circumstances, including through Chinese companies.
According to Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also told him that Moscow would not sell weapons to Tehran.
At the time, Trump warned that any involvement by either country in supplying weapons to Iran would have serious consequences.
However, the US administration has previously taken action against Chinese companies accused of supporting Iran’s military procurement network. In May, Washington imposed sanctions on several companies over alleged assistance to Tehran, including the provision of satellite imagery that US officials said could help Iran target American forces.
Beijing has denied allegations that Chinese entities assisted Iran’s military.
The contrasting statements highlight the distinction between Trump’s public assessment of China’s and Russia’s involvement and earlier US allegations concerning specific Chinese entities.
Iran War Continues to Affect Regional Security
The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region.
The conflict has also severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international energy supplies.
A memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar has since stalled amid disagreements, including over navigation through the strategically important waterway.
The continuing dispute has kept pressure on diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities and restore stability to regional energy and shipping networks.
Trump says Iran is ‘failing badly’ as US keeps military option open
UK Suspects Iranian Role in RAF Fairford Security Incident
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told parliament on Monday that a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The airbase in Gloucestershire, southwest England, has been used by US military aircraft during operations against Iran.
The security investigation began after five British men were arrested near the base on September 27 on suspicion of terrorism and explosives-related offences. The incident prompted a major security response and heightened concerns over the safety of military facilities used by American forces.
Burnham said the government’s assessment pointed towards Iranian involvement, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Iran has denied any connection to the incident.
Suspects Released on Bail as Investigation Continues
The five men arrested near RAF Fairford were subsequently released on police bail without charge, while additional arrests were also made as investigators pursued possible links to the suspected plot.
Police reported finding petrol in vans associated with the incident but no viable explosives, according to reports on the investigation.
British authorities have continued examining whether a foreign state was involved and whether the suspects were acting under direction from individuals outside the United Kingdom.
Burnham said his government would use its available powers to address suspected threats linked to foreign actors and criminal networks.
The British government has also announced further sanctions targeting individuals it accuses of being connected to Iranian activities.
Tehran has rejected the allegations and called on British authorities to present evidence supporting their claims.
Western Allies Raise Concerns Over Alleged Iranian Operations
The RAF Fairford investigation has contributed to wider concerns among Western governments about alleged Iranian-linked activities outside the Middle East.
The United States, the United Kingdom and other allied countries have criticised what they describe as suspected Iranian use of covert networks and criminal intermediaries to carry out hostile operations abroad.
Iran has repeatedly denied allegations that it directs such activities.
Against this backdrop, Trump’s assessment that China and Russia are not helping Iran comes as Washington and its allies continue monitoring the conflict, regional security threats and the potential involvement of foreign powers.
While Trump has dismissed the idea that Beijing and Moscow are providing meaningful assistance to Tehran, the broader questions surrounding international support for Iran and the suspected UK airbase plot remain subjects of diplomatic and security scrutiny.
