Trump Warns Xi, Putin to Stay Out of Iran; Expert Sees Escalation Coming

President Donald Trump on Friday issued an unusually direct warning aimed at Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that neither nation should become involved in the Iran war.

Trump said if they did, such a move would carry serious consequences.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said both leaders personally assured him they would not provide weapons to Tehran.

"President Xi, at our recent meeting in Beijing, China, told me that he would not, under any circumstances, give or sell Weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran — And that statement included Chinese Companies. Considering our relationship, I take him at his word," Trump wrote.

The president added that Putin had made a similar commitment.

"Likewise, President Putin ... told me that he would not sell Weapons to Iran. ... Therefore, two major Countries that people speak of often in terms of Iran are, in my opinion, not participating," he continued.

"If they did, it would be very bad for them — Certainly not in their best interests."

"Trump is essentially warning Xi and Putin to stay on the sidelines," Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago and one of the nation's leading scholars on military coercion and escalation, wrote on X in response.

He added the surprise warning by Trump is a "strong indication big escalation is coming soon."

Pape has long suggested the U.S. will rev up the conflict to open the Strait of Hormuz.

"Brace for impact!" Pape ended his post.

Trump's remarks came as the U.S. and Iran exchanged another round of military strikes and regional tensions continued to mount. 

The president's statement also comes amid reports of intensified military activity across the region. 

U.S. and Iranian forces have exchanged additional strikes in recent days, with attacks extending to military installations and maritime targets, fueling widespread expectations that further military operations could occur. 

While there has been heightened speculation in media reports and among analysts that additional operations may be imminent, officials have not publicly confirmed any specific large-scale offensive.

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