Iran’s geopolitical alliances with Russia and China, often perceived as a formidable axis, unravel into a tangled web of strategic limitations and contradictions when closely examined.
At a Glance
● Recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran have exposed the severe limitations of Iran’s alliances with Russia and China.
● Despite a shared animosity toward the West, neither Moscow nor Beijing has offered significant military or financial backing to Tehran in its time of need.
● China prioritizes its global economic ties over a deep commitment to Iran, while Russia’s support is transactional and self-serving.
● Analysts describe the relationship not as a true alliance but as an “axis of convenience” that quickly frays under pressure.
An Alliance Tested by Fire
Recent, devastating military strikes against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure—first by the U.S. in “Operation Midnight Hammer” and then by Israel in “Operation Rising Lion”—have laid
bare a stark reality for the regime in Tehran: its powerful “allies,” Russia and China, are nowhere
to be found when the going gets tough.
Despite the formation of a so-called anti-American “axis,” it has become clear that when faced
with a direct crisis, Iran stands largely alone. Both Moscow and Beijing have offered little more
than rhetorical support, refusing to provide the kind of meaningful military or financial backing
that would be expected of a true ally.
NEW: China and Russia keep Iran at arm's length during the crisis. They didn't rush to aid Iran as it was being pummeled by the US and Israel. Is there actually an "axis" among these nations and North Korea, as some US and UK officials said? Story: https://t.co/20V6jVQHSc
— Edward Wong (@ewong) July 6, 2025
China’s Delicate Balancing Act
China’s reluctance to become deeply entangled in Iran’s conflicts stems from a calculated need to balance its own strategic interests. While Beijing is a major importer of discounted Iranian crude oil and offers diplomatic cover against U.S. “hegemony,” its primary focus is on maintaining its vast global trade relationships, particularly with the West.
As noted by security analysts and reported by Euronews, China is unwilling to jeopardize its economic stability by providing direct military support to Iran. While Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun may rail against “bullying acts” that “undermine the international order,” Beijing’s support for Tehran has clear limits.
Russia’s “Cynical, Opportunistic” Partnership
The Russia-Iran relationship is even more transactional. As detailed by think tanks like the Hudson Institute, Russia has become heavily reliant on Iran for a steady supply of cheap but effective drones for its war in Ukraine. In return, Moscow provides some technology and diplomatic support.
However, this partnership is a one-way street. Russia has repeatedly refused Iran’s requests for its most advanced military technology, such as the S-400 air defense system, which could protect Iran from the very airstrikes it just endured. As analyst Sergei Radchenko puts it, “Putin is a cynical, opportunistic actor who thinks only of his strategic interests, and he will do so if he needs to sacrifice Iran.”
This “axis of convenience,” as many experts now call it, is built not on shared values or mutual defense commitments like NATO, but on a temporary and shifting alignment of interests against the United States. As Alexander Gaboyev of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center explains, “Each of these countries… doesn’t want to get involved in each other’s wars.” For Iran, the hard lesson is that when push comes to shove, its powerful “friends” will always prioritize their own ambitions.