Washington: President Donald Trump has publicly thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he described as their neutral approach during the recent conflict involving Iran, saying their actions helped create conditions for a ceasefire and opened the door for a possible long term peace agreement.
Speaking after a major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran, Trump said both China and Russia chose not to escalate tensions during the crisis despite their close ties with Tehran. He said their restraint played a positive role in helping bring the conflict to an end and allowed diplomatic efforts to move forward.
Trump's comments came shortly after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending months of hostilities and beginning negotiations on a broader peace settlement. The agreement is seen as an important first step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East, although many key issues remain unresolved.
According to U.S. officials, the memorandum establishes a framework for a ceasefire and creates a period of negotiations that could lead to a more comprehensive agreement in the coming months. The talks are expected to focus on sanctions, regional security, shipping routes, and Iran's nuclear programme.
During his remarks, Trump specifically highlighted the roles of Xi and Putin, saying neither leader took steps that would have worsened the conflict. While China and Russia have maintained strong political and economic relationships with Iran for years, both countries avoided direct involvement in the fighting and instead called for diplomatic solutions.
Trump said he appreciated their approach and suggested that cooperation among major powers helped prevent the situation from becoming even more dangerous. His comments were notable because relations between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow remain strained on a number of global issues, including trade, security, and regional conflicts.
China has traditionally supported diplomatic engagement with Iran and has repeatedly called for peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes. Beijing remains one of Iran's most important economic partners, particularly in the energy sector. Despite criticism of some U.S. military actions during the conflict, Chinese officials continued to urge restraint and dialogue.
Russia also maintained communication with both Tehran and Washington throughout the crisis. Moscow has long been a strategic partner of Iran, but Russian officials avoided taking actions that could have led to a wider confrontation. Analysts believe both Russia and China were concerned about the economic and security consequences of a prolonged regional war.
The ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran is expected to include discussions on easing certain sanctions if Iran meets specific commitments. Another important issue involves the future of Iran's nuclear activities, which are expected to be subject to international monitoring and negotiations.
The agreement also aims to improve security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes. Any disruption in the waterway has the potential to affect global energy markets and international trade.
World leaders have generally welcomed the move toward peace, although many remain cautious about the challenges ahead. Diplomats say significant differences still exist between the United States and Iran, and negotiations over sanctions, nuclear restrictions, and regional security arrangements could prove difficult.
Even so, the latest developments have raised hopes that a broader settlement may be possible after years of tension. Trump's praise for Xi and Putin reflects a rare moment of agreement among major world powers as efforts continue to secure a lasting peace and prevent future conflict in the Middle East.