Russia, China Condemn US‑Iran Attack, Avoid Military Aid
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- Russia condemned the US‑Israeli attack on Iran, describing it as a clear violation of international law.
- Putin called the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a “cynical violation of all norms of human morals”.
- Wang Yi told Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar that “force cannot truly solve problems” and urged all sides to avoid further escalation.
- Russia and China jointly requested an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting after the strike.
- Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Iran in January 2025 that lacks a mutual‑defence clause, meaning it is not obligated to provide military aid.
- Kortunov said Russia is unlikely to intervene militarily in Iran because of high risks and because Moscow is prioritising US‑mediated talks on Ukraine.
- China has a 25‑year cooperation agreement with Iran focused on energy and Belt‑and‑Road, but Beijing has repeatedly said it will not send weapons or intervene militarily.
Why it matters: Iran loses the prospect of direct military backing from its two strongest diplomatic partners, limiting its options in a conflict that has already killed more than 1,000 people, while Russia avoids a high‑risk entanglement and China safeguards its economic ties and regional stability without escalating the war.
