Iran Confirms Military Cooperation With Russia and China

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Russia and China are providing military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and logistical support to Iran during its conflict with the United States and Israel. This cooperation includes Russian battlefield data and electronic warfare assistance, while China provides diplomatic backing and protects energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate China may be using MizarVision for geospatial intelligence and has deployed the Liaowang-1 signals-intelligence vessel near the strait.

These admissions contradict assurances given to President Donald Trump. U.S. Ambassador Steve Witkoff stated that Russian leaders previously told Trump they were not sharing intelligence with Iran. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed unwavering support for Iran's new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Tensions have escalated as President Trump claimed the U.S. destroyed all military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi stated that Iran will not fully open the strait, though some Indian ships have been granted passage. Iran further accused the United Arab Emirates of allowing the U.S. to launch strikes from Emirati territory. The UAE rejected these claims, asserting its right to self-defense against what it termed terrorist aggression.