What's behind Russia and China's lack of support for Iran?

Egypt Independent

21-06-2025

Russia and China have merely condemned Israel for its attacks on Iran while the US fully stands behind it, providing Israel with direct protection.
But what is the secret reason behind the lack of direct support from China and Russia to Iran?
According to political analysis from The Telegraph, Russia and China possess nuclear weapons and therefore do not wish for Iran to acquire any, as this would mean weaker control over Tehran, reducing its dependence on the two countries for its weapons needs.
A nuclear weapon would also give Tehran a significant qualitative advantage and influence the policies of other countries toward it.
The escalation of the conflict has also impacted China's oil needs.
Beijing is the main importer of Iranian oil and is currently affected by Israeli attacks and the targeting of oil refineries there. Furthermore, if the war escalates and Iran targets military bases in the Gulf states, China's second-largest oil supplier, Beijing will face a real energy supply problem.
On the other hand, according to the Moscow Times, an escalating conflict between Iran and Israel will lead to a short-term increase in oil prices, which will have a positive impact on Russian budget revenues from oil and gas.
Another vital angle addressed by the Telegraph is that both countries believe that Iran is not managing the conflict with the US well, and the country's severe economic situation resulting from US sanctions is a prime example of this.
This is one of the primary reasons as to why China is reluctant to implement infrastructure projects in Iran. And Russia believes that Iran will be unable to fulfill its arms purchase contracts. Ultimately, both countries view a weak Iran as an unhelpful ally.
The Moscow Times added that Russia has previously emphasized that its partnership with Iran is a strategic one, not a military alliance, and that Russia is carefully trying to maintain its relationship with between Israel and Iran.
According to the British political magazine The Spectator, Russia has long stalled on selling advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to Iran – despite official Iranian statements that it possesses them, there are numerous doubts that Russia has delivered them – which could rival Israeli aircraft in the air.
An Al Jazeera News Channel report indicated China also desires to maintain its relations with Israel – particularly trade relations such as the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive economic project involving several countries to expand trade and investment.
The Telegraph also noted that Iran overlooked what happened in Syria with the Bashar al-Assad regime, which was heavily and directly supported by Russia. Despite this, they were unable to help it when it fell.
Ultimately, Russia and China are still seeking a political solution to the crisis, and Putin spoke directly with US President Trump to de-escalate the situation.