Xi Jinping Discusses Iran in Back-to-Back Calls with Trump, Putin

Within 24 hours, the world's three most powerful leaders held intense discussions about a single country. Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted separate phone calls with both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, with Iran dominating each conversation.

The timing wasn't coincidental. These diplomatic exchanges came as Washington escalates pressure on the Islamic Republic following the brutal suppression of anti-government protests that left dozens dead. Trump described his call with Xi as "excellent," covering Iran, Chinese purchases of US oil and gas, and Taiwan.

The Art of Triangular Diplomacy

Earlier in the day, Xi and Putin "checked their approaches" on Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba—a roster of nations that puts them at odds with US foreign policy. What's striking isn't just that China discussed Iran with both superpowers, but that it did so while maintaining distinctly different relationships with each.

Beijing finds itself in a delicate position. As a key partner in Iran's economy and a crucial player in the Belt and Road Initiative, China has billions invested in Iranian infrastructure and energy projects. Yet it also seeks to stabilize relations with Washington, where trade negotiations remain fragile and economic interdependence runs deep.

This isn't merely about Iran—it's about China's broader strategy of multi-alignment in an increasingly polarized world. While Russia and Iran have grown closer through shared opposition to Western sanctions, China prefers to keep its options open, engaging with all sides while committing fully to none.

The Limits of Hedging

But this balancing act faces growing pressures. As protests continue to rock Iran and international condemnation mounts, China may find it harder to maintain its neutral stance. European allies are already calling for stronger sanctions, and Congress is pushing Trump to take more aggressive action.

For American policymakers, China's simultaneous outreach to Moscow and Washington signals both opportunity and concern. It suggests Beijing recognizes the gravity of the Iranian situation and wants to coordinate responses. But it also demonstrates China's reluctance to fully align with US interests when they conflict with its economic partnerships.

The Iranian regime, meanwhile, likely views these great power consultations with mixed feelings. While any dialogue that might prevent escalation serves Tehran's interests, the fact that its fate is being discussed by others underscores its growing isolation.