The Iran war has taken centre stage during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China after he issued a strong ultimatum to Tehran, warning it to accept the diplomatic agreement or face “total destruction”.
“They can make a deal, or they get annihilated,” Trump said.
When asked about the Iran issue in Beijing, Trump said he hoped Iran was watching. “I hope Iran is watching. We know exactly what they put up,” he said, explaining that Tehran had moved some of its weaponry.
“They’ve taken some missiles from underground. It will all be gone in one day,” he added while noting that he found the second tier of Iranian leadership “much more reasonable in many ways”.
When pressed on retrieving enriched uranium from Iran, Trump said it was more about security than perception.
“I don’t think it’s necessary except from a public relations standpoint,” he said.
He reiterated that he was the leader who had clearly stated, “We are going to get it from them.”
Meanwhile, China has given a more muted response regarding the retrieval of enriched uranium.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China in the “very near future”, the Kremlin confirmed on Thursday, marking his first foreign trip of 2026.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said preparations are complete, with final dates to be announced simultaneously by Moscow and Beijing.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on fellow BRICS nations to condemn the US-Israel war on his country as a violation of international law, adding that Iranians will “never bow to any pressure”.
Also read: Trump, Xi discuss Iran, reopening of Hormuz
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