Trump Warns of Disappointment with China if Arms Shipments to Iran Are Confirmed

The US president has expressed potential disappointment over claims that China is planning to send military equipment to Iran to strengthen its air defense system.

A Reuters report says Tehran expects to obtain up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile launchers. The deal, estimated to be worth between $60 million and $70 million, is seen as a key Iranian initiative to expand its short-range air defense capabilities.

During a conversation with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about the issue. He stressed that Chinese President Xi Jinping is aware that such a move would not be well received. “He knows that I would be extremely disappointed,” Trump said.

The White House chief added that he had previously received assurances from Xi Jinping that China did not intend to arm Iran.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have responded by dismissing the reports as false. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “These reports are entirely baseless. China has always played a role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.”

The reports of possible military cooperation with Iran come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, as clashes between Tehran and Washington have recently intensified.