đźđ·đ„ In a dramatic geopolitical shift, Iran is reportedly severing strategic defense ties with Russia and pivoting toward China after feeling abandoned during its recent military confrontation with Israel and the United States.
Tehran, once a vocal member of the so-called âAxis of Resistance,â has labeled Russia an unreliable partner after Moscow failed to provide critical military supportâmost notably air defense systems like the S-400âduring waves of Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Now, Iran is exploring a defense pact with Beijing, eyeing Chinese technologies such as the J-10C fighter jets, HQ-9 air defense systems, and electronic warfare assets as potential upgrades to its vulnerable military network. Analysts believe Chinaâs support could reshape regional balance, but skepticism remains about Beijingâs willingness to risk global backlash.
This diplomatic divorce underscores a deeper truth: authoritarian alliances based on weapons deals and oil barrels lack real backbone. Russia was happy to buy Iranian drones for Ukraine but left Tehran exposed when it mattered. China offered rhetoric but no retaliation. And North Korea? Completely silent.
As Iranian officials now publicly voice frustration, the collapse of the âAxis of Upheavalâ illustrates that alliances built on mutual enemies canât withstand real war. The United Statesâ ability to mobilize allies under fire still distinguishes it from regimes that fail to protect even their closest arms suppliers.
