US President Donald Trump said on Monday, October 12, that he did not believe China or Russia were helping Iran. Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, he addressed allegations of assistance during the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Trump allowed that either country might be providing help, but said any assistance would be at a very low level. He said China and Russia had too much to lose and that the United States would quickly detect their involvement.

Intelligence allegations and official denials

Al-Monitor reported that Trump had faced pressure over reports that Chinese and Russian entities supplied Iran with intelligence. The alleged information was intended for use in attacks on US troops. Whether either country provided that assistance remains unclear.

The Kremlin denied US media reports that Moscow had passed sensitive intelligence to Iran. Those reports included allegations that Russia shared the locations of US warships and aircraft in the region.

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Business AM reported that the US government imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies in May. The companies were accused of facilitating Iran's military purchases and supplying satellite data used to target American troops. Beijing rejected those allegations.

China also denied reports involving Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, a Chinese semiconductor company. Those reports alleged that the company had sent chipmaking tools to Iran.

Trump cites earlier assurances on weapons

Trump had expressed similar doubts about weapons sales in July. He said he did not believe China and Russia were selling arms to Iran and warned of serious consequences if they did.

He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had personally assured him they would not supply weapons. According to Trump's account, Xi's assurance covered both the Chinese government and private companies.

Other assistance and the war's origins

Russia has sent humanitarian aid to Iran since the war began, according to Al-Monitor. It has not officially announced other concrete assistance. China previously supplied Iran with drones and equipment that could serve both civilian and military purposes.

China and Russia have also faced accusations of helping Iran evade international sanctions on its oil sales, Al-Monitor reported. The war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.