Trump warns of 'big problems' if China ships weapons to Iran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned China of 'big problems' if Beijing supplied ships weapons to Iran, as claimed by a CNN report, citing three people familiar with ‌recent ⁠intelligence assessments.

"If China does that, China is gonna have big problems," he told reporters on reports that China is preparing to ship weapons to Iran. He did not elaborate on the same.

Also read: China may supply advanced air defence systems to Iran amid fragile ceasefire deal with US


A US intelligence report indicated that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, CNN reported late on Friday, citing three people familiar with ‌recent ⁠intelligence assessments. The ⁠network underlined that there are indications Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to mask their origin.


Beijing is preparing ‌to transfer shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADs, which were used during the conflict and pose a threat to low-flying US military aircraft, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources.

Also read: Trump says makes 'no difference' to him if Iran, US reach deal

However, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, saying China “has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict” and called the information untrue.

The spokesperson also urged the US to avoid “baseless allegations” and “sensationalism,” and said China continues to support efforts aimed at de-escalation.