At the White House, President Donald Trump confronted Chinese President Xi Jinping, warning that any assistance China offers Iran would be unacceptable. The remark came as part of a broader state visit that also tackled trade, artificial intelligence, and the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue told CNBC that Trump made the comments in a candid exchange with Xi, adding that China had been providing "indirect support" to Tehran. Perdue said the U.S. had already penalised three Chinese satellite‑image firms in May for sharing intelligence that helped target U.S. positions.
The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and restarting talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump’s warning, however, signals that the U.S. will not tolerate any Chinese facilitation of Iranian military or technological capabilities.
While the U.S. administration has publicly called out China’s support, it has avoided naming specific companies or individuals, instead citing broad "indirect" assistance. Analysts suggest the remark may prompt China to re‑evaluate its engagement strategy in the Middle East.
Trump’s statement is likely to lead to a formal diplomatic exchange, with Washington demanding a clear break in China‑Iran cooperation. The next week will see both sides preparing for a possible summit to address the fallout.