How China and Russia Can Exploit the Iran War
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- Russia is modeling its Iran‑war strategy on the Ukraine quagmire, where the Kremlin spends tens of billions of dollars each year on the conflict.
- China is seeking to exploit the Iran war to deepen its Middle East foothold, echoing the post‑9/11 era when its global influence rose sharply.
- U.S. has maintained military aid to Ukraine since the February 2022 Russian invasion, diverting resources as it confronts a new front in the Middle East.
Why it matters: Russia and China stand to gain strategic advantage while the United States loses influence; the US spends tens of billions annually on Ukraine, and the war's distraction could erode its Middle East security partnerships.
