US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he does not believe he needs Chinese President Xi Jinping’s help on Iran, despite plans to discuss the ongoing conflict during his upcoming visit to China.
The remarks came as Trump departed the White House for Beijing amid continuing tensions linked to the US-Israel war with Iran.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for China, Trump said he would hold extensive discussions with Xi Jinping about several global issues, including the Iran conflict.
However, he insisted Washington remains fully in control of the situation.
“I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise,” Trump said.
Trump later appeared to further downplay the issue, saying Iran may not even become a central topic during his meetings with Xi.
“We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control,” he added.
High-stakes US-China meeting ahead
The meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping will mark the first face-to-face talks between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies in more than six months.
The discussions come at a sensitive time as both countries attempt to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
China remains one of Iran’s key economic partners and continues to be a major buyer of Iranian oil exports despite the conflict.
According to Reuters, the Trump administration has been urging Beijing to use its influence over Tehran to push for a diplomatic settlement with Washington.
The war began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, escalating tensions across the region.
Trump arrives in China this week
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, with formal talks planned for Thursday and Friday.
The trip marks his first official visit to China since 2017.
Before departing, Trump also commented on the Russia-Ukraine war, saying he believes the conflict is close to ending.
“The end of the war in Ukraine I really think it's getting very close,” Trump told reporters, echoing recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
