Trump Eyes Talks with Putin and Xi to Discuss Ending Iran War

US President Donald Trump said he expects to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping next week during an Asia-Pacific summit in Shenzhen, China, with discussions potentially focusing on ending the war in Iran.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump indicated that the three leaders could hold talks on a range of international issues, including nuclear disarmament and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“I’m going to be going to China, and one of the meetings I think will be with President Putin and President Xi,” Trump said.

He added that the discussions would cover several issues, stressing that the leaders would also address efforts to end the Iran war.

The summit is scheduled to take place on November 18-19. The Kremlin said on October 21 that preparations were underway for what would be the first trilateral meeting involving the three leaders.

Trump’s remarks followed a report by The Wall Street Journal suggesting that Putin wanted the proposed meeting to help secure a peace agreement in Ukraine on terms favourable to Moscow. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump has faced criticism in the United States over his approach towards authoritarian leaders, particularly Putin and Xi. His willingness to engage directly with the Russian president also reflects his efforts to restore Moscow’s international diplomatic standing after its invasion of Ukraine triggered widespread Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

The proposed meeting could therefore provide an opportunity for discussions extending beyond the Iran conflict, including the wars in Iran and Ukraine, nuclear security and broader relations among the three major powers.