US President Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin remained “neutral” during the Iran conflict. He made the remarks after a ceasefire agreement was adopted following months of tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Trump addressed reporters at the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. He said he appreciated both leaders for not interfering in efforts to contain the crisis. He also suggested their stance helped ease diplomatic pressure during negotiations.
Trump Praises Non-Interference by Global Rivals
During the press conference, Trump thanked both leaders directly. He said, “I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better.” He added that China and Russia could have complicated the situation but chose not to escalate tensions.
He specifically praised Xi Jinping, stating that the Chinese president stayed “totally neutral” during the conflict. He also thanked Vladimir Putin and described his position as similarly neutral. Trump argued that their restraint supported efforts to stabilize the situation.
He contrasted this with criticism directed at some US allies in Europe and Japan. He said those partners did not contribute enough to military or logistical efforts related to the crisis and the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route affected during the conflict.
Global Reactions and Strategic Tensions
Meanwhile, Russia and China maintain close relations with Iran. Moscow warned that the conflict could trigger a broader nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Beijing, on the other hand, criticized US strikes on Iran and called them a violation of sovereignty.
Chinese officials also rejected claims of direct military support for Tehran. However, reports suggest China continued limited trade with Iran during the conflict, including oil purchases that helped sustain Tehran’s economy.
Despite these tensions, Trump insisted both leaders helped reduce escalation. He said Xi avoided sending advanced weaponry and instead supported diplomatic stability. China’s embassy in Washington responded by stating that its position remained consistent and focused on promoting peace and ending hostilities.
