Iran’s top diplomats arrived in Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit as Tehran seeks to recover from the aftermath of a 12-day air war with Israel. With defenses battered and its economy squeezed by US sanctions, Iran is pushing its Asian allies for urgent help.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed bilateral meetings with both Russia and China, describing the talks as “especially important given the current situation.” Beijing and Moscow have become central to Iran’s quest for weapons, oil partnerships, and diplomatic protection.
Is China willing to help Iran rebuild its shattered defenses?
After Israel’s airstrikes in June, Iran’s air defense needs are in sharp focus. Analysts say Beijing, already bound to Tehran by a 25-year strategic deal, may discreetly support upgrades to Iranian air defenses.
While Chinese officials emphasize strict controls, Tehran's determination may allow for quiet cooperation.
Experts note that Iran is actively evaluating Chinese-made air defense missiles, radar systems, and even fighter jets to replace its aging Soviet-era systems.
Major Chinese military aid is unlikely to be overt, but history shows careful, low-profile arms trade between the two nations.
Did you know?
China currently buys up to 90% of Iran’s oil exports, providing Tehran with a vital economic lifeline under US sanctions.
Could Russia and China’s support change Iran’s fate after the war?
China and Russia approach the conflict with different strategies. China prioritizes diplomacy, energy ties, and non-interference, as evidenced by its decision not to intervene in Iran's conflict with Israel formally.
Chinese officials utilize multilateral platforms, such as the SCO, to challenge Western sanctions and promote their “Global Security Initiative.”
Meanwhile, Russia remains Iran’s critical regional partner, especially in the nuclear arena. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, has emphasized publicly that political and diplomatic means, rather than force, should resolve the nuclear issue.
Both sides agreed at the summit to maintain regular high-level dialogue on sensitive issues.
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Iran looks to Beijing for strategic weapons and refuge
The summit comes with Iran’s urgent request for new air defense systems, updated intelligence sharing, and economic relief, particularly after losing critical hardware in the recent air war.
Reports indicate Iran is considering purchasing Chinese J-10C fighters, advanced missiles, and rocket artillery to fill growing gaps in its arsenal.
China’s long-running support for Iran’s missile program includes supplying dual-use technology and industrial inputs crucial for sustaining the country’s defense industry.
But Beijing’s commitment remains calibrated, avoiding moves that could provoke confrontation with the US or regional rivals.
Moscow signals continued engagement on nuclear diplomacy
At the summit, Russian and Iranian foreign ministers reaffirmed their focus on peaceful nuclear development and opposition to Western pressure.
Lavrov called on all parties to address the dispute through dialogue, reiterating Moscow’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization itself has voiced intense criticism of Israel’s June strikes on Iran, echoing calls from its members to address regional crises through diplomacy, not force.
As the summit closes, all eyes remain on what practical support Tehran can extract from its uneasy but vital partnerships with Moscow and Beijing.
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