U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with American financial media CNBC on Tuesday, April 21 that the U.S. military intercepted a vessel carrying “a gift from China to Iran.” He also stated that Iran may be carrying out some kind of resupply operation. However, it is currently unclear which vessel he was referring to.
Trump said: “We intercepted a ship yesterday. It was carrying something bad, a ‘gift’ from China… I was a bit surprised by that.” He added, “I thought there was some kind of ‘understanding’ between President Xi and me.”
Media reports previously said that U.S. intelligence indicated China may provide Iran with air defense systems in the coming weeks.
A week earlier, Trump said Xi Jinping had assured him that China would not provide weapons to Iran. He also previously warned that if Beijing provided military support to Tehran, it would lead to serious trouble.
Separately, Reuters, citing maritime security sources, reported that the cargo ship “Touska,” which was intercepted and boarded by the U.S. military on the 19th, departed from China and was stopped off Iran’s port waters in the Gulf of Oman. Preliminary assessments suggest the vessel may have been carrying dual-use goods, as defined by Washington, which could have military applications.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
The U.S. Central Command stated that the U.S. military will continue to intercept vessels worldwide suspected of providing support to Iran.
