China and Russia's Disengagement from the Iran-Israel Conflict

Despite expectations of solidarity among authoritarian nations, recent conflicts reveal deep fissures in their unity, particularly as Iran finds itself isolated during its ongoing crisis with Israel.

Recent military conflicts and alliances have raised questions about the solidarity among nations like Iran, Russia, and China. While U.S. officials once framed these countries as part of a burgeoning “axis” against American interests, the ongoing war between Iran and Israel has exposed significant limitations in their collaboration. Despite Iran providing military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine through drone and missile sales, both Russia and China remained notably distanced from Iran during its recent hostilities with Israel and U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The anticipated support from these nations never materialized. Instead, their responses were limited to routine condemnations of American actions, revealing a lack of genuine alignment with Iran’s plight. Alexander Gabuev, director at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, pointed out that the reluctance of China and Russia to intervene in Iran’s conflicts highlights the self-interest of these nations. Gabuev noted, “These are very different wars and different sets of conflicts,” emphasizing the absence of shared values and institutional ties akin to those seen among U.S. allies.

The events surrounding this crisis serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions in international alliances. As authoritarian regimes define their defense strategies, it becomes clear that, despite shared grievances against the West, their individual interests may prioritize national safety over solidarity in a global landscape marred by conflict.