U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed reports suggesting that Russia and China are providing military assistance and intelligence to Iran, maintaining that both countries have little incentive to become directly involved in the ongoing conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed confidence that Moscow and Beijing were not significantly supporting Tehran, despite reports alleging that both countries have supplied intelligence and other forms of assistance to Iran.
Trump argued that Russia and China would face serious consequences if they became involved in the conflict, adding that U.S. intelligence agencies would quickly detect any substantial assistance.
The president has repeatedly described Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as neutral in the conflict, despite their countries maintaining close diplomatic and economic relationships with Iran.
In July, Trump warned both governments against intervening in the war, suggesting that their involvement could lead to significant repercussions.
Russia has expressed concerns that the conflict could trigger a nuclear arms race, while China has criticized U.S.-led military operations against Iran, arguing that the strikes violate the country’s sovereignty.
Reports have suggested that China supplied missile launchers to Iran and assisted Tehran in circumventing international oil sanctions. Trump reportedly raised concerns about Beijing’s alleged involvement during Xi’s state visit to Washington in September.
The U.S. president also previously downplayed allegations that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery of a military installation in Jordan before an attack that killed three American service members in July.
Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East continue to intensify as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched further attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile toward King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which has experienced several deadly attacks in recent months.
The latest missile launch followed reports of explosions and air raid sirens in the Saudi capital.
Houthi forces also accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out overnight airstrikes against locations along Yemen’s northern border and western coastline. The group claimed to have shot down a Saudi drone near the border.
Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to the allegations.
The developments underscore growing regional instability as the conflict involving Iran continues to affect neighbouring countries, raising concerns about further military escalation and the potential involvement of major global powers.
