Iran flexed its military muscle with fresh war drills just as President Donald Trump touched down in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid fears the fragile Middle East ceasefire could collapse at any moment.
Trump told reporters before arriving in China that he expected a “long talk” with Xi centered heavily on the Iran war, though he insisted the United States does not “need any help” from Beijing to handle the conflict.
The timing of Trump’s visit came as alarming new reports suggested Iran’s military capabilities remain far more intact than previously believed despite weeks of punishing strikes and economic pressure.
According to a new assessment from the Institute for the Study of War cited by Euronews, Iran appears to be actively preparing for renewed fighting with both the U.S. and Israel through military drills, internal security exercises, and the repositioning of key assets.
The Tehran Province unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted exercises this week aimed at confronting “any movement of the enemy,” according to Iranian state media. Separate drills were also planned near Mahshahr Port, a strategically important area close to the Persian Gulf.
Wheels down in Beijing!
President Donald J. Trump lands for a landmark summit with China, greeted by Vice President Han Zheng during a welcome ceremony. pic.twitter.com/4q2mATZrn4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 13, 2026
The report added that Iranian officials appear increasingly concerned not only about another round of airstrikes, but also about possible unrest inside the country if the war resumes. Analysts believe Tehran is blending military readiness with domestic security operations to keep a tight grip on the population.
Despite months of conflict, U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly conclude Iran may still possess a significant portion of its missile arsenal and military infrastructure. One recent intelligence estimate found Tehran may retain roughly 70% to 75% of its ballistic missile capability.
The renewed warnings come as the 75-day war continues to hammer the global economy, particularly energy markets tied to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Oil inventories have plunged amid ongoing instability and fears of a broader regional conflict.
Trump has repeatedly signaled frustration with Iran’s negotiating posture. Earlier this week, he blasted Tehran’s response to a U.S.-backed peace proposal as “totally unacceptable” while warning the ceasefire remains on shaky ground.
China, meanwhile, has attempted to position itself as a mediator while also maintaining close economic ties with Iran. Trump’s meetings in Beijing are expected to include discussions on trade and military tensions in Asia, but the escalating Iran crisis is likely to dominate much of the closed-door talks.
The military exercises unfolding inside Iran are already being viewed by analysts as a deliberate show of force timed to Trump’s arrival in China, and a warning that Tehran may be preparing for another round of war rather than backing down.
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