US President Donald Trump publicly thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for their assistance in reaching a preliminary ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, in an interview on June 14, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Trump said they helped by not sending oil, gas tankers, or commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, thus not breaking the US naval blockade aimed at pressuring Iran [1, 2, 3]. He called Xi a "total gentleman" for refraining from sending "a tanker, along with 20 destroyers on each side of it, to try and break up the blockade" [1, 2, 3].

The blockade enforcement has been a key part of US pressure on Iran amid ongoing regional tensions. While Trump commended Xi and Putin for their roles, the White House, US State Department, and Chinese and Russian embassies did not immediately issue comments or clarifications following these statements [1, 2, 3].

China described its position as issuing a declaration containing four principles aimed at Middle East peace and said it is working tirelessly toward this goal [2]. China is Iran’s largest oil buyer and most powerful partner, adopting a cautious stance during the US-Israel and Iran conflict by encouraging negotiations [2]. Both China and Russia have provided some support to Iran during the conflict, while China has also backed Russia militarily amid the Ukraine war [1, 3].

Trump met with Xi in Beijing in May for a summit and state banquet, following which he spoke of forming a "G-2" partnership between the US and China [2].

Meanwhile, the US imposed sanctions on a Belarusian entity acting as an intermediary between Chinese companies and Iran, helping Iran acquire portable air defense missile systems [3]. Trump has not made public comments on the detention of US citizen Michael Spavor in China on espionage charges, a case that has drawn condemnation from Michigan Republican Congressman John Moolenar, who called for Spavor's immediate release and warned US companies about supporting Chinese military and surveillance activities [3].

Trump and Putin also spoke by phone on June 14 to discuss various international matters, including likely the ceasefire talks [2]. The recent pause in hostile actions and ongoing diplomatic contacts leave open further steps to advance peace efforts in the region.