We'll find out," Trump told reporters at the end of July. Russia and China were "at different levels, enabling some of the things Iran is doing." Matthew Kroenig, a former Pentagon and intelligence official, called the reports "highly plausible," pointing to growing cooperation among Russia, China and Iran. Trump's comments would carry more risk if the president were relying on assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kroenig said. Original article source: Why Trump is downplaying reports Russia and China are helping Iran