During a summit in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping to cease support for Iran in its conflict with the United States, according to US Ambassador David Perdue. Perdue stated in an interview with CNBC that Trump made it clear that any direct or indirect assistance to Tehran, including intelligence or military equipment, was 'totally unacceptable.' Trump confirmed this assertion when questioned by reporters at the White House, stating he did communicate this during his meeting with Xi.
China has been providing Iran with economic support by purchasing approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, as well as intelligence support, reportedly supplying satellite images of a Jordanian air base prior to a missile strike that resulted in the deaths of three US service members. Trump commented on the espionage activities between the US and China, acknowledging mutual surveillance.
Ambassador Perdue noted that there has been progress, stating, 'We have seen evidence that they have listened to us,' and mentioned that China has taken some actions in response to US concerns regarding Iran.
This warning follows meetings held by US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with Iranian officials at the United Nations General Assembly, which have reportedly led to a new peace proposal involving phased actions. The initial phase would involve ending the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A US official indicated that constructive discussions are ongoing but did not confirm the specifics of the proposal. The official also mentioned that the US maintains a strong position regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, with nearly 40 million barrels of oil passing through the strait in the past 48 hours, suggesting a potential decline in Iran's influence over this critical energy route.