Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to China and Russia over the possibility of supplying arms to Iran, stating such actions would have serious consequences for both nations. Speaking in a social media statement on July 24, Trump emphasized that it would be "very bad" for Beijing and Moscow if they chose to provide military support to Tehran.
Trump recalled recent assurances he said he received from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom reportedly denied plans to sell or transfer weapons to Iran. "President Xi, at our recent meeting in Beijing, told me that he would not, under any circumstances, give or sell weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote. He added that President Putin, despite Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, also affirmed that he would not engage in arms sales to Iran.
These comments come amid reports earlier this year suggesting Russia had supplied Iran with drones, as well as humanitarian aid such as food and medicine. U.S. media outlets also reported that China had considered delivering air defense systems to Iran. However, Trump insisted neither country was currently involved in the conflict through weapons transfers, describing their participation as unlikely and contrary to their strategic interests.
The warning emerged against the backdrop of escalating repression within Iran. Human rights groups have documented the execution of over 100 individuals in recent weeks, including three women, amid a crackdown on protests that began in March following renewed hostilities involving the United States and Israel. The executions represent the most significant use of capital punishment in Iran since the country’s Islamic Republic was established in 1979.
The demonstrations, which have resulted in more than 50 deaths, mark widespread unrest challenging the regime’s authority. Analysts have expressed concern that if ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, the Iranian government may intensify its use of capital punishment as part of its efforts to suppress dissent.
Trump’s warning to China and Russia underscores ongoing international tensions surrounding Iran’s role in regional conflicts and the broader geopolitical competition among global powers. While Western intelligence agencies have alleged some level of Russian involvement in arming Tehran, both Beijing and Moscow have publicly denied supplying weapons, maintaining a cautious stance amid the complex situation.