Trump warns China of ‘big problems’ over alleged arms route to Iran

US President Donald Trump has warned that China could face “big problems” if it supplies weapons to Iran, amid mounting concerns that a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran may unravel.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for Miami on April 11, Trump said, “If China does that, China can have big problems,” without elaborating further, according to Reuters.

The warning follows a report by CNN citing US intelligence assessments that suggest Iran could receive new Chinese air defence systems in the coming weeks. The report indicated that Beijing may be routing shipments through third countries to obscure their origin.

The development comes despite a temporary truce between the US and Iran, with both sides maintaining a significant military presence across the region. US naval forces remain deployed near Iranian waters, while Tehran is believed to be rapidly rebuilding air defence capabilities damaged in recent strikes by US and Israeli forces.

China has firmly rejected the allegations. In a statement, its embassy in Washington said Beijing had “never provided weapons to any party to the conflict” and urged the US to refrain from “baseless allegations” and “sensationalism.”

Any confirmed Chinese military support to Iran would likely be viewed by Washington as a serious escalation, potentially casting a shadow over Trump’s expected visit to China next month for talks with Xi Jinping.

For Tehran, which continues to operate under stringent Western sanctions, China and Russia remain key strategic partners, offering critical diplomatic and economic backing.

According to the CNN report, the suspected weapons package may include shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, known as MANPADS, which could be used to counter low-flying US aircraft. American officials believe similar systems may already have featured in recent confrontations, including incidents involving US fighter jets and helicopters earlier this month.

Iran has not publicly confirmed the details. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has credited a “new, advanced defence system” for recent successful strikes on US aircraft.

Trump also said Washington remains engaged in “very deep negotiations” with Iran, while downplaying the importance of securing a final deal. “Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t — regardless of what happens, we win,” he said, adding it “makes no difference” if an agreement is reached.

He further claimed Iran may have deployed “a couple of mines” in regional waters, noting that US minesweepers are actively working to secure the Strait and ensure safe maritime passage.