Pentagon chief addresses China's alleged arms transfers to Iran
Photo: Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, responding to reports that China plans to supply weapons to Iran, stated that this would not happen, according to CNN.
"President Trump has a very strong and direct relationship with (China President Xi Jinping), and they communicated on that. China's assured us that that is not going to happen," Hegseth emphasizes.
CNN notes that last week it became known that China intended to supply Iran with new air defense systems within the next few weeks. This was reported by three people familiar with the latest intelligence assessments.
Later, Trump said he had exchanged letters with the Chinese President. According to him, Xi Jinping responded to a letter from the US President, which he wrote amid reports of China supplying weapons to Iran.
Trump said Xi assured him that he was not doing this.
Earlier, Western media reported on China’s possible plans to supply Iran with air defense systems, specifically portable anti-aircraft missile systems. According to their reports, such supplies could potentially shift the balance of power in the region following a fragile ceasefire.
Donald Trump reacted to these reports. During a press briefing, the US President warned China of serious consequences if it supplies weapons to Iran.
Trump later stated that he could impose a 50% tariff on countries that assist Iran. China, in particular, could be subject to these measures.
In response to the allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that media reports accusing Beijing of providing military support to Tehran are entirely fabricated.
