Trump’s post follows Tuesday evening’s two-week ceasefire with Iran. As part of the deal, the United States agreed to stop all military strikes on the country, and Iran said it would open the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Russia and China are Iran’s most significant weapons suppliers. For years, Russia, China, and Iran have used complex networks and supply chains to bypass sanctions from Western nations. 

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the United States has placed heavy sanctions on Iran to prevent the development of weapons that use Western technology. 

In October 2021, the U.S. specifically targeted drone production in Iran through export controls, including limiting third-party countries from exporting U.S. technology. 

Despite the extensive restrictions, Iran’s drone designs frequently feature Western components. Often, Western technology, such as drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, comes from  China. 

Since 2022, Iran and Russia have exchanged drone technology, production knowledge, and facilities.

TRUMP INSISTS ON ‘NO ENRICHMENT’ OF URANIUM AFTER IRAN SAID US CEASEFIRE DEAL ACCEPTED IT

Iran, for instance, supplied and supported Russia with technology and weapons for the Ukraine War. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed that Russia provided Iran with drones that were later used on U.S. bases during the Iran War. 

The U.S. currently imposes a complex web of tariffs on Russian and Chinese products, including 50% tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products and semi-finished copper products, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump’s tariffs under emergency economic powers.

Trump has also recently used tariffs to disincentivize other countries from purchasing Russian oil.