Trump shocks observers by praising Putin and Xi after Iran breakthrough
US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump described Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin as neutral during the war with Iran, according to Reuters.
Trump said that both sides did not obstruct US efforts to contain Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
"I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better," the American leader said after a ceasefire agreement was reached in the conflict.
Speaking at a press conference during the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Trump told reporters that he was grateful to the leaders for not interfering in the conflict.
"I want to thank China, President Xi. I was with him, and he stayed neutral, totally neutral, and I appreciate it," the White House chief said.
Trump also thanked the Russian dictator for what he described as neutrality in the confrontation with Iran.
"And I want to thank Vladimir Putin, he was very neutral. They could have made it much more difficult for us," the US president added.
According to the publication, Trump's comments contrasted with his remarks about US allies from Japan to Europe, whom he criticized for not helping with the military operation or the subsequent efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime trade route that had been blocked by Iran.
Reuters noted that Moscow and Beijing maintain close ties with Tehran. Russia, for its part, has warned that the war could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
As previously reported, the United States released the official text of the memorandum of understanding with Iran. The agreement consists of 14 points.
Axios also reported that the US and Iran signed another memorandum of understanding on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement has already entered into force.
