Trump thanks China and Russia for being neutral in Iran war

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday described Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "neutral" during the war ​with Iran, saying they had not thwarted his efforts to curb ‌Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

"I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better," Trump said following the adoption of a ceasefire agreement in the conflict.

Speaking at a press conference ​at the Group of Seven conference in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump told reporters ​he was grateful to the leaders for staying out of the ⁠conflict.

"I want to thank China, President Xi. I was with him, and he ​stayed neutral, totally neutral, and I appreciate it," Trump said. "And I want to thank ​Vladimir Putin, he was very neutral. They could have made it much more difficult for us."

Trump's comments stood in contrast to his comments on U.S. allies from Japan to Europe, whom he ​has criticized for not helping with the military operation or subsequent efforts to clear ​the Strait of Hormuz, the Iran-blocked maritime trade route.

Moscow and Beijing maintain close ties with Tehran. ‌Russia ⁠has said the war could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Trump said that Xi was helpful ​to resolving the conflict, and avoided sending in "big weaponry" or ​shoulder-fired surface-to-air ⁠missiles.

"They could have sent in an oil ship with six destroyers alongside of it, on each side. They didn't do that. President Xi helped me. He tried to ⁠help, and ​I think he probably helped get it solved," ​Trump said.—Reuters