Trump Credits Russia and China for Neutrality During Iran Campaign

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly thanked the leaders of Russia and China for maintaining neutrality during the recent U.S.-led campaign against Iran, noting that their cooperation prevented further complications.

Key points

• President Donald Trump stated that he requested Chinese leader Xi Jinping avoid selling air defense systems to Iran to protect American aircraft.
• The U.S. administration is considering reinstating oil sanctions on Russia that were previously paused due to the Iran crisis.
• President Donald Trump reported productive discussions regarding the war in Ukraine with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• The U.S. is reportedly exploring a deal to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia in exchange for European naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The statements highlight a shift in U.S. foreign policy as President Donald Trump attempts to leverage regional stability in the Middle East to influence the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.