Trump Says China, Russia Unlikely to Support Iran Militarily, Citing High Risks

President Donald Trump downplayed the possibility that China and Russia are providing military support to Iran, saying both countries have too much to lose.

Bloomberg reported on October 13 that Trump, in a late-night Truth Social post on October 12, addressed suspicions that China and Russia were backing Iran. “If they are helping, it would be at a very low level, but I don’t think they’re helping at all,” Trump wrote.

He said China and Russia would have “too much to lose” if they supported Iran. Trump also argued that if such support were taking place, the US would be able to detect it very quickly.

China and Russia have maintained close ties with Iran for decades. Since the war between the US and Iran began in late February, however, both countries have denied allegations that they are supplying weapons to Tehran. Even so, reports pointing to possible military support from China and Russia have continued to stir controversy.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Chinese companies supplied components used in Iranian drones and missiles. US officials have also reportedly concluded that satellite imagery information obtained from China was linked to an Iranian attack that killed three US service members. In response, the Chinese government said it was complying with international norms and opposed attempts to tie Beijing to the war involving Iran.

Questions have also been raised about possible Russian weapons support for Iran. Bloomberg reported in June that Western allies assessed it was highly likely that Iran had obtained new Russian-made weapons and rebuilt a significant portion of its missile capabilities during a ceasefire with the US. Trump’s latest remarks on alleged Chinese and Russian military support, however, differ in tone from earlier reporting.