China asks Trump to keep peace after threatening Iran

JAKARTA - The Chinese government hopes Iran can maintain stability and resolve problems through dialogue after US President Donald Trump said there was a "great power" heading to the mullah's country.

"China hopes Iran will maintain national stability and that all parties will uphold peace, refrain from doing so, and resolve differences through dialogue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press conference in Beijing, Friday, January 23, reported by ANTARA.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (22/1), said there was a "big force" heading to Iran.

"We have a lot of ships heading in that direction, just in case. We have a big fleet (heading) in that direction, and we'll see what happens," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Washington, DC from Davos, Switzerland.

"We have a big force heading to Iran. I'd rather not see something happen," he added.

Trump said the US was watching Iran "very closely."

"We have a fleet. We have a large fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we don't need to use it. We'll see how it goes," he said.

Previously, Trump also warned Iran not to resume its nuclear program, stressing that violations of the ban could trigger military action.

Trump said Washington would ensure Tehran's current position on its nuclear activities and would not tolerate any attempt to develop nuclear weapons.

He also said that the US government is currently continuing to monitor Tehran's next steps, including finding out where the Iranian leaders are now and what they will do about nuclear.

Trump also claimed Iran halted plans to execute protesters after he issued a military warning last week.

"They're going to hang 837 people on Thursday," Trump said. "I told them, 'You can't do that.'"

Waves of protests erupted in Iran on December 28 amid deteriorating economic conditions, especially the plummeting value of the national currency and soaring inflation.

Demonstrations spread to various cities and triggered clashes with security forces.

Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of backing what they call "armed rioters" who have carried out a number of attacks on public places across the country. The allegations were denied by Washington.