US President Donald Trump said today that China would face "big trouble" if it supplied arms to Iran.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump offered mixed messages about diplomacy with Iran and the risks to regional security, declaring that he "couldn't care" whether a deal was reached with Tehran while describing ongoing engagement as "very deep negotiations."
Trump also noted increased naval activity in the Persian Gulf, stating that minesweepers were working and "clearing the strait" and warning that "there might be a couple of mines in the water."
Regarding the diplomatic outlook, Trump added that "maybe they'll make a deal, maybe they won't," while asserting that "no matter what happens, we'll win." Trilateral talks between the US, Iran, and Pakistan began on Saturday, days after a fragile two-week ceasefire was announced in the seven-week conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and shaken global markets. The discussions followed separate meetings between US and Iranian officials and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Meanwhile, diplomatic planning is underway on another front: talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected in Washington next week.