China’s Middle East policy at a crossroads 6 months into US-Israeli war on Iran

Six months into the war in Iran, Gulf states are strategically shifting towards self-reliant defense networks. This pivot is driven by the realization that neither the United States nor China can adequately protect them from Iranian attacks. The Iranian army has also warned that any future conflict with the US could expand regionally and target critical infrastructure. Observers suggest this move could challenge China's strategy of "involvement without commitment" in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict is forcing regional leaders to re-evaluate their security arrangements.