Why the US could be China's biggest ally in holding back Asia's nuclear ambitions
Without a credible nuclear deterrent, Tehran proved unable to effectively defend or retaliate against Israel's pre-emptive strikes on key personnel and nuclear facilities, despite its much-touted strategic alignment with China and Russia.
Both China and Russia issued strong statements condemning Israel and the US but
showed little inclination to intervene or offer tangible support when it mattered most. This left Tehran effectively isolated, despite its joint maritime drill with Beijing and Moscow in March – an exercise that now seems just a symbolic show of unity.
Preoccupied with Russia's war in Ukraine and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin later clarified that Moscow's alliance with Tehran lacked joint defence commitments – serving to highlight Moscow's intent to avoid being dragged into direct conflict with Israel or the US.
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