Pete Hegseth said China has “a lot of leverage” over Iran ahead of President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Speaking on Capitol Hill, Hegseth said President Trump holds the most influence but noted China’s leverage over Tehran. Sen. Lindsey Graham said China buys 90% of Iran’s oil and is the largest purchaser of Russian oil and gas, adding that Xi is “propping up Russia and Iran.”

2026-05-13

Pete Hegseth said China has “a lot of leverage” over Iran ahead of President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Speaking on Capitol Hill, Hegseth said President Trump holds the most influence but noted China’s leverage over Tehran. Sen. Lindsey Graham said China buys 90% of Iran’s oil and is the largest purchaser of Russian oil and gas, adding that Xi is “propping up Russia and Iran.”