Is China ready to save Iran's ayatollahs' regime? Ukrainian expert weighs in
Photo: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (Getty Images)
China leans toward supporting Iran in its conflict with Israel, but it will not save the ayatollahs' regime at any cost, said Mykhailo Honchar, President of the Center for Global Studies Strategy XXI, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
"So far, we haven't seen any signs of decisive actions involving the Chinese armed forces. China tries to act quietly and behind the scenes. If there were unusual transport aircraft flights… There is some level of support, but that doesn't mean China will offer open backing to Iran, just as Russia hasn't done either", Honchar said.
However, he noted that it's important to understand that over 90% of Iran's oil exports go to China. Essentially, Beijing is largely financing the regime in Tehran.
According to the expert, China's primary concern is its economic interests. It is not in Beijing's interest to see oil prices spike or the situation escalate in the Persian Gulf.
"I believe that behind the scenes, China is working to restrain all the players involved in this scenario of escalation. It seems to me that the Chinese line of behavior from the political and diplomatic point of view is aimed at supporting Iran, but it will not save the Ayatollahs' regime at any cost," Honchar concluded.
Israel–Iran war
Israel has been conducting a military operation against Iran's nuclear infrastructure for a week. As part of the confrontation, both sides have been exchanging heavy strikes involving hundreds of missiles and drones.
Amid rising tensions around Iran, the United States is considering a military operation against the country, according to Bloomberg. The Wall Street Journal reports that US President Donald Trump has already approved a plan for a potential strike but has currently postponed its execution to assess Tehran's further steps.
At the same time, The Guardian notes that Trump is uncertain about the immediate intervention, as he is not confident that American weapons could guarantee the destruction of the nuclear facility in Fordow.
The White House has stated that a final decision on possible US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran is expected within two weeks.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to escalate strikes against Iran in an effort to destabilize the regime. The corresponding order was given by Defense Minister Israel Katz to the Israeli Defense Forces.
Additionally, Israel is not ruling out the possible assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
