US Claims China Assures No Weapons to Iran, But Eyes Oil Ties

The White House has revealed a significant diplomatic exchange, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping has personally assured U.S. President Donald Trump that China is not providing weapons to Iran during the current regional conflicts. This assurance, conveyed by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, comes amidst heightened U.S. scrutiny of China's involvement in Middle Eastern affairs. While Beijing's commitment to not supplying arms is noted, Washington remains focused on the substantial economic ties between China and Iran, particularly in the energy sector. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted that China imports over 90% of its oil from Iran, accounting for approximately 8% of its energy needs. This dependency, Bessent warned, could be vulnerable to disruptions in global energy supply routes, such as a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the U.S. Treasury Department has begun exerting financial pressure, sending letters to two unnamed Chinese banks. These banks have been put on notice that they face secondary sanctions if they are found to be processing Iranian financial flows. This dual approach—seeking assurances on arms and applying financial pressure—underscores Washington's strategy to manage the complex geopolitical landscape involving China, Iran, and the broader Middle East.

“

President Xi assured the president that they are not supplying Iran with weapons during this conflict, and that assurance was conveyed to the president.