WSJ: China And Russia Will Not Come To Iran's Aid
- 24.02.2026, 20:11
Key partners have turned their backs on Tehran under U.S. pressure.
Iran, which for years has sought to build closer military and political relations with China and Russia, finds itself in a situation where its key partners are not ready to openly support Tehran amid a growing threat from the United States and a possible strike on the country being considered by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, writes The Wall Street Journal (translated by Charter97.org).
Russia and Iran conducted a small joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman last week, but this gesture of force clearly pales in comparison to the American grouping concentrated in the region. Iranian officials have said a larger exercise involving China into the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, but experts emphasize that Beijing and Moscow are not prepared to intervene in the event of a US strike.
Analysts note that Iran is trying to rebuild its missile arsenal and air defense systems after devastating US and Israeli strikes in June. However, neither China nor Russia has rushed to provide direct military aid. "They are not going to sacrifice their interests for Tehran," said expert Danny Citrinovich.
For Beijing, open support for Iran risks complicating relations with Washington, especially ahead of the upcoming meeting between the two leaders. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and a key economic partner, but too close an alliance with Tehran could undermine its position in the Persian Gulf.
Moscow has also made it a priority not to let relations with the United States deteriorate, especially against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Although Iran views Russia as an important arms supplier, the benefits of this partnership have been far more modest than expected.
Experts believe that in the event of a US attack, China will seek to protect its energy interests and build relations with a possible new Iranian leadership. Russia, despite its strategic cooperation, will also not intervene if the ayatollahs' regime is on the verge of collapse.
In the meantime, Tehran is demonstrating its own strength by sending Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces into the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the global oil trade. But Chinese and Russian supplies - from missile components to electronic warfare systems - have yet to alter the strategic balance. In the event of a conflict, analysts say, Moscow and Beijing's support is unlikely to go beyond "thoughts and prayers."