West Asia War: Trump says 50% tariff threat on aiding Iranian military applies to China too as peace talks stall

Days after US President Donald Trump threatened sweeping economic penalties on countries aiding Iran's army in the conflict against the US and Israel, he clarified on Sunday that the warning goes out to China, as well.

Trump had earlier said any country providing military equipment to Iran would be hit with tariffs of up to 50% on all exports to the United States.

Follow live updates from the West Asia war.


"A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions," the US President had said on his Truth Social platform.

However, according to a Reuters report, Beijing has denied supplying arms to Tehran.

The clarification came after the US and Iranian delegations failed to reach a peace deal in Islamabad after marathan negotiations on Saturday.

Also Read | West Asia War: Trump says Iran talks in Islamabad collapse over nuclear standoff despite ‘progress’ on other issues

In a series of posts on Sunday on Truth Social, the US President informed the talks came to a deadlock after Iranian officials were "unyielding" in giving up its nuclear programme, though some agreements on other issues had been reached.

Trump warns China of ‘big problems’ over alleged arms supply

In his earlier warnings, Trump had further said that China could face serious consequences if it proceeds with any military support to Iran.

“If China does that, China is gonna have big problems,” he told reporters, responding to intelligence-based reports that Beijing may be preparing to send weapons to Tehran. He did not elaborate on what actions Washington might take.

Also Read | Donald Trump orders Strait of Hormuz blockade, warns any Iranian firing at US could be ‘blown to hell’

According to a CNN report citing sources familiar with recent intelligence assessments, China is believed to be planning shipments of advanced air defence systems to Iran in the coming weeks.

The report said there are indications the transfers could be routed through third countries to conceal their origin.

The systems under consideration reportedly include shoulder-fired anti-air missiles, or MANPADs, which can pose a serious threat to low-flying aircraft, including US military platforms.

The hardening of Washington’s stance comes amid growing concern over Beijing’s strategic role in the region.

The ongoing conflict with Iran has already complicated US foreign policy priorities, with analysts warning Rueters that it could distract from preparations for Trump’s upcoming engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping that was already postponed due to the war on Iran.