Trump slams ‘radical lunatics’ over claims Russia and China aid Iran

The US president dismissed the allegations days after striking a deal with Moscow to boost global diesel supplies

Russia and China are not likely to be providing assistance to Iran in its conflict with the US and Israel because they have “too much to lose,” US President Donald Trump has said. He dismissed allegations that the two countries are supporting Tehran, insisting that Washington would quickly detect any significant involvement.

The remarks come as US officials and Western media outlets claim that Russia and China are providing military and intelligence assistance to Iran, despite both countries calling for an end to the conflict.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump lashed out at political opponents he accused of spreading claims that Russia and China are helping Iran, while acknowledging that limited assistance cannot be ruled out.

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“I see so many comments from the Radical Left Morons and Lunatics that China and Russia are helping the ‘wonderful’ Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote.

“If they are, it’s at a very low level, but I don’t believe they are at all. They have too much to lose, and we would know about it, and know about it very fast!” he added.

Trump’s statement follows earlier claims by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that Russia and China are helping Iran in different ways. Speaking at a Senate hearing in July, Hegseth said both countries were “at different levels, enabling some of the things Iran is doing,” but declined to elaborate, citing classified information.

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Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine also refused to discuss the extent of any involvement, saying it would reveal sensitive US intelligence.

Washington has sanctioned Chinese companies accused of supplying the Iranian military. In June, the US Treasury targeted Chinese- and Hong Kong-based firms allegedly involved in procuring weapons for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Defense Ministry.

Further sanctions in July targeted entities in China, Russia, and elsewhere accused of supporting an Iranian airline linked to weapons shipments.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery, dual-use electronics, and components used in missiles and drones. China has denied providing military assistance to Iran.

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Trump’s remarks follow a series of high-level contact with Moscow and Beijing focused on energy and economic cooperation.

At a meeting in September with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, Trump discussed Iran, trade, and energy, urging Beijing to boost refined fuel production to help stabilize global markets.

On Friday, Trump struck a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease soaring fuel prices, after his administration repeatedly urged Kiev to halt strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.

The US subsequently eased sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027. Moscow pledged to supply 300,000 tons in October, 500,000 in November, and 1 million in December. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said monthly shipments could eventually reach 3 million tons, with Russia lifting its export restrictions ahead of schedule.