China Assures US It Won't Arm Iran During Middle East Ceasefire
On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that China has assured it will refrain from supplying arms to Iran during the ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East. This information was shared during a Pentagon briefing, where Hegseth highlighted Beijing's commitment amid rising worries in Washington over external aid to Iran. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not comment on the discussions between former President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping but reiterated China's "prudent and responsible" stance on military exports. Concurrently, senior US military officials indicated that American forces are prepared to resume combat if negotiations falter. This comes as the US increases pressure on Tehran to embrace a broader peace deal facilitated by Pakistan, with China claiming an "objective and impartial stance" on Iran and supporting peace talks.
Key facts
- China assured the United States it will not supply weapons to Iran during the Middle East ceasefire
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the assurance on Thursday
- The assurance was conveyed directly by Beijing to Washington
- The Chinese embassy declined to comment on communications between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
- China stated it acts "prudently and responsibly" in military equipment exports
- Senior US military officials warned American forces are ready to resume combat if negotiations fail
- The US is increasing pressure on Iran to agree to a broader peace deal brokered by Pakistan
- China claims to uphold an "objective and impartial stance" on Iran and promote peace talks
Entities
Institutions
- Pentagon
- Chinese embassy in Washington
Locations
- United States
- China
- Iran
- Middle East
- Washington
- Pakistan