15 May,2026 09:22 AM IST | Beijing | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump said Iran must either negotiate an agreement to end the ongoing conflict or face severe consequences, as he intensified his rhetoric against Tehran during the final day of his visit to China.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News after discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been severely weakened and warned that the country was "finished" unless it agreed to a deal.
"Deal or annihilation for Iran," Trump said, while reiterating that the United States would not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons.
According to Trump, the issue of Iran featured prominently during his meetings with Xi, alongside broader discussions on trade and strategic cooperation between the United States and China.
Trump was scheduled to hold another meeting with Xi on Friday before concluding his three-day visit and returning to Washington.
During the interview, Trump said Xi expressed support for a negotiated settlement between Washington and Tehran.
According to Trump, the Chinese leader offered to assist in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.
"President Xi would like to see a deal between the US and Iran," Trump said, adding that Xi indicated he was willing to help if required.
Trump also stated that China does not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons, despite Beijing's close economic and strategic ties with Tehran.
China remains one of Iran's largest oil buyers and has maintained strong diplomatic and military cooperation with the country over the years.
When asked about concerns regarding possible Chinese military assistance to Iran, Trump said Xi assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Tehran.
Trump also made strong claims regarding the US military's capabilities against Iran.
He said General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had informed him that the United States could decisively neutralise Iran's Kharg Island, a major oil export terminal, within minutes if necessary.
The US President further claimed that Iran's naval capabilities had already been significantly weakened and alleged that Tehran currently lacked effective air force and anti-aircraft systems.
"They built it up a little bit. We'll take it out in one day," Trump said while defending recent military operations targeting Iran.
He argued that the current conflict was far shorter and more limited compared to previous US military engagements in Iraq and Vietnam.
During the interview, Trump repeatedly praised his relationship with Xi Jinping, describing the Chinese President as a "tremendous leader" and someone who was "all business."
Trump said he respected Xi for leading a country with a population of nearly 1.5 billion people and dismissed criticism over his positive remarks about the Chinese leader.
He also praised the official welcome ceremony organised for him in China, calling it "incredible."
"If you went to Hollywood, you wouldn't find that," Trump remarked while describing the military honour guard reception.
The US President said relations between Washington and Beijing were progressing well despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.
Apart from geopolitical issues, Trump said his meetings with Xi also focused heavily on trade and economic cooperation.
He claimed that China had shown interest in purchasing more American oil, with discussions involving shipments from Texas, Louisiana and Alaska.
Trump also stated that Xi had agreed to order 200 Boeing aircraft following what he described as a "very good meeting."
In addition, he said China was expected to significantly increase purchases of American agricultural products.
Trump was accompanied during the visit by several top American business leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
According to Trump, the executives performed "fantastically well" during meetings with Chinese officials and business representatives.
He also reiterated his desire for China to further open its domestic markets to American companies, saying such a move would benefit both economies and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
(With inputs from Agencies)
