China and Russia Fuel Iran's War Effort Through Complex Support Network
The support network for Iran's war effort is complex and multifaceted, involving intelligence, technology, weapons procurement, finance, and oil trade. China and Russia have not openly declared war on the United States but are providing significant assistance to Iran.
Russia has supplied Iran with targeting information on American military assets, including locations of U.S. warships and aircraft. The Kremlin declined to comment on this matter. Upgraded Russian versions of Iran's Shahed drones were also reportedly being transferred back to Iran, although Moscow denied this allegation.
China's role in supporting Iran is broader and potentially more significant. The U.S. Treasury Department states that China buys approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, with Chinese and Hong Kong entities facilitating Iranian weapons procurement. Satellite imagery obtained from Chinese sources was linked to an Iranian strike that killed three American troops in Jordan.
The financial architecture supporting the network is also widening. In September, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Russia's VTB Bank for helping Iran evade sanctions through correspondent banking relationships. China and Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have continued expert monitoring of reimposed Iran sanctions.