Since the US and Israel initiated military action against Iran on February 28, China and Russia have positioned themselves firmly against what they describe as unwarranted aggression, emphasizing that the resulting conflict threatens regional stability and risks broader spillover. Both countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of diplomatic efforts, underscoring respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and the Gulf states.

China and Russia’s response has involved both diplomatic engagement and public statements advocating a peaceful resolution. On March 8, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined five key principles aimed at addressing tensions in the Middle East: upholding state sovereignty, rejecting arbitrary use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, pursuing political solutions within a collective security framework, and encouraging constructive involvement by major powers. These principles underpin a peace initiative jointly presented by China and Pakistan on March 31, which calls for halting hostilities, protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, safeguarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and fostering a multilateral agreement rooted in international law and the United Nations Charter.

Russia has similarly emphasized the concept of collective and indivisible security in the Gulf region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s long-standing proposal for cooperative security arrangements in a virtual meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers on March 30. Russian President Vladimir Putin also engaged in dialogue with US President Donald Trump on March 9, offering proposals to end the conflict, including a plan to transfer Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia. Trump acknowledged these overtures but highlighted the complexity added by the concurrent conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Strategically, both China and Russia maintain close partnerships with Iran, though the nature of these relationships differs. China is Iran’s largest trading partner, accounting for roughly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports and serving as a critical economic lifeline amid Western sanctions. Iran also holds an important position in China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a land bridge linking Central Asia and the Middle East. Russia’s ties with Iran have increasingly encompassed military cooperation, especially since 2022, including arms sales, joint production of Iranian drones, and the exchange of military technologies. Moscow has supplied Iran with advanced air-defense systems, while Tehran has provided various military equipment supporting Russia’s activities in Ukraine.

Reports have emerged suggesting that China and Russia may play a more active role in supporting Iran’s military capabilities, though official statements remain non-committal. Analysis of shipping data indicates Chinese exports of chemical precursors linked to Iran’s missile program. Furthermore, Russia has reportedly shared satellite imagery and drone technology to enhance Iranian strike precision against US positions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has neither confirmed nor denied such claims, while US officials maintain a cautious stance on verifying these accounts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged political and unspecified other assistance from China and Russia but refrained from detailing any direct military aid related to the ongoing conflict.

Several strategic considerations influence Beijing and Moscow’s policy approach. Both aim to preserve stable relations with all parties, including Washington, despite opposing the US-Israeli military campaign. For Russia, maintaining constructive engagement with the US is crucial for ongoing negotiations over Ukraine. China similarly prioritizes stable trade and economic ties with the United States amid broader geopolitical competition.

The diversion of US military resources to the Middle East may also advantage China and Russia by reducing American focus on Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, arenas where these powers seek to expand their influence. Economically, rising energy prices amid the conflict benefit Russia as a major oil and gas exporter, while China’s substantial oil reserves and diversified energy mix mitigate supply disruption risks. Additionally, China’s leadership in renewable energy technologies positions it to capitalize on a possible global acceleration toward cleaner energy sources.

The conflict and its economic consequences have reinforced Chinese and Russian efforts to promote a multipolar international order as an alternative to US dominance. Despite their opposition to the war, both countries have an interest in an expedited de-escalation that preserves the Iranian regime’s stability, thereby enabling continued cooperation and the restoration of critical regional infrastructure aligned with their strategic initiatives.