President Donald Trump has downplayed the role of Russia and China in supporting Iran’s regime, despite evidence presented by U.S. military officials and analysts suggesting substantial cooperation between the three nations. During a recent media exchange, Trump questioned reports that Iran was set to receive 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missiles, dismissing the claim as surprising and emphasizing his trust in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s denial of involvement.
When asked about alleged Russian intelligence assistance to Iran targeting U.S. military bases, Trump indicated he would inquire directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but expressed skepticism that such cooperation had occurred at a significant level. He has previously stated uncertainty over whether Russia and China are actively enabling Iran, emphasizing his personal trust in both leaders.
However, U.S. military testimony and recent analyses paint a different picture. In June 2025, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, testified that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea were pursuing an unprecedented level of strategic alignment aimed at challenging U.S. interests globally. This assessment is echoed in the recent book "Axis of Aggressors" by Bradley Bowman, Elaine Dezenski, and retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The authors cite ongoing Russian provision of drones and intelligence to Iran for attacks on U.S. forces, alongside Chinese shipments of missile-fuel precursors facilitating the restoration of Iran’s military capabilities, which are further linked to cooperation with North Korea.
The potential transfer of actual missile systems from China to Iran would represent a significant escalation beyond the previous provision of dual-use materials, which can be disguised as civilian goods. Reuters recently reported that Iran was close to acquiring Chinese anti-ship missiles, a move that U.S. officials say would prompt efforts to intercept shipments before they reach Iranian forces.
The trajectory of the conflict involving Iran may be heavily influenced by the extent of Chinese and Russian support. Despite U.S. efforts to sanction Iranian oil-related infrastructure, including China’s smaller "teapot" refineries, the Trump administration has refrained from imposing broader sanctions on state-owned Chinese enterprises servicing these facilities. Analysts suggest that applying increased sanctions pressure on Beijing could deter further assistance.
Bowman, Dezenski, and Montgomery argue that support from Moscow and Beijing could prove decisive in sustaining Iran’s current leadership amid the ongoing conflict. They emphasize that the United States must remain actively engaged and avoid neutrality regarding the outcome of Iran’s internal power dynamics. The question of whether China and Russia will continue to facilitate Iran’s military resurgence remains central to the broader strategic contest involving Washington, Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing.