Russia has given Iran something more important than weapons

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in Beijing on Wednesday, urging global unity to safeguard international justice against powers prioritizing "might over right." Wang criticized unnamed countries for challenging the UN's role and promoting the "law of the jungle." The meeting occurred amidst the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and a global energy crisis caused by blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. Wang reaffirmed China's commitment to the UN-centered international system and pledged support for Baerbock's efforts to unite member states around sovereign equality.

China's Politburo, a key decision-making body led by President Xi Jinping, convened on Tuesday to address the global economic repercussions of the US-Iran conflict. The group pledged a comprehensive strategy to mitigate external shocks and ensure China's energy security. A central focus of the meeting was the imperative to enhance domestic technological self-reliance and strengthen control over industrial supply chains. To achieve these goals, China plans to accelerate the development of critical infrastructure, including water, power, and computing facilities, and expedite the commencement of significant new projects. This response aims to bolster the nation's resilience against international instability.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss geopolitical issues, including the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Xi Jinping called for stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of their relationship amidst international instability. He urged both countries to protect their interests and support Global South unity. Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war on Tuesday. Lavrov offered that Moscow could compensate for China's energy shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.

China is advocating for a ceasefire in the Iran war to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international trade and energy transport. This comes as US President Donald Trump announced a large naval operation targeting the oil transit chokepoint. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the Strait's stability and unimpeded passage are crucial for global interests. According to Guo, the conflict involving Iran is the primary cause of disruptions in the Strait. China urges all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to resolve the issue.

China has criticized the United States' potential blockade of Iranian ports, deeming it "irresponsible and dangerous." This statement follows US accusations of "economic terrorism" against Iran for disrupting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman urged all parties to adhere to ceasefire arrangements, prioritize dialogue, and restore normal traffic in the strait. The spokesman also refuted reports that China was preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran, dismissing them as fabrications. He further stated that China would take countermeasures if the US imposed tariffs based on these accusations. The US had threatened tariffs on Chinese goods if military assistance was provided to Iran.

The US-Iran war, initiated by US strikes in late February, has significantly impacted China-US relations. A planned March meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi was postponed and rescheduled for May, but the conflict threatens to overshadow trade discussions. Initially, analysts predicted short-term benefits for China, including higher oil prices hurting the US more and distracting Washington from Asia-Pacific security concerns. However, China now faces potential long-term risks, primarily concerning energy security. Rising pump prices and potential shortages threaten Beijing's long-term planning, undermining China's energy security. The US has accused China of being an unreliable partner for stockpiling oil, while China accuses the US of dangerous behavior and threatens retaliation against tariffs.

In Beijing on April 15, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss strengthening the China-Russia strategic partnership amid global instability. Xi emphasized the importance of their relationship as a stabilizing force in a turbulent international landscape, particularly in light of the US-Israeli war against Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He urged both nations to deepen "all-around cooperation," enhance strategic communication, and support each other's development. Xi also stressed the need to defend mutual interests, safeguard the Global South, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. Both countries aim to create a multipolar world order.

During Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to China on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged China and Vietnam to jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism. Xi emphasized the need for both countries to uphold peace, development, and cooperation to safeguard the global free trade system and maintain stable supply chains. The meeting aimed to strengthen Sino-Vietnamese ties amidst global challenges, including energy security concerns and tariff pressures from the United States. Both nations seek to navigate these pressures and ensure energy security through improved relations. The four-day visit underscores the importance of cooperation between China and Vietnam in addressing shared economic and geopolitical concerns.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Beijing on April 14, 2026, amid rising tensions due to a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade, aimed at pressuring Iran, is disrupting China's oil imports, as a third of its supply passes through the strait. Both Russia and China have criticized the US-Israel war on Iran and the US blockade, with China emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Strait's security for international trade. Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the need to prevent further conflict and offering Russia's assistance in reaching a settlement. The US hopes that economic pressure on China will lead them to pressure Iran to return to negotiations.