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The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran are not confined to the Middle East—they have pulled major global powers into the fray. The United States, Russia, and China each play influential roles in shaping the course of the conflict, driven by their own strategic, economic, and ideological interests.
This article explores how these three superpowers are involved in the Israel-Iran rivalry, what motivates their actions, and how their moves could impact global stability.
1. The United States: Israel’s Closest Ally and Iran’s Chief Adversary
Strategic Alignment with Israel
The United States has been Israel’s strongest ally since the state's founding in 1948. This alliance is based on:
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Shared democratic values,
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Strategic military cooperation,
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A large pro-Israel lobby in American politics.
The U.S. provides Israel with billions of dollars in military aid annually and advanced weapons systems. It also supports Israel diplomatically at the UN and on the global stage.
Policy Toward Iran
Washington’s stance on Iran has oscillated between diplomacy and confrontation:
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Under Obama, the U.S. helped negotiate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
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Under Trump, the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, reimposing crippling sanctions and taking a hardline stance.
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Under Biden, efforts to revive the nuclear deal faltered, especially after Iran resumed high-level uranium enrichment.
The U.S. views Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing its support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and other anti-Western groups.
Recent Role
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The U.S. has deployed additional forces to the Gulf during high-tension periods.
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It has conducted joint military drills with Israel aimed at simulating attacks on Iranian targets.
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Washington has urged restraint, wary of being drawn into a wider war.
Bottom line: The U.S. supports Israel militarily and diplomatically but prefers deterrence and selective engagement over full-scale war.
2. Russia: Strategic Partner to Iran and Challenger to Western Influence
Strategic Ties with Iran
Russia and Iran share a mutually beneficial relationship, built on:
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A shared interest in countering U.S. influence in the Middle East.
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Cooperation in Syria, where both supported the Assad regime.
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Energy coordination, especially through OPEC+.
Russia has supplied Iran with military technology, including air defense systems like the S-300, and has defended Iran diplomatically at the UN.
Calculated Neutrality on Israel
While Russia backs Iran, it also maintains diplomatic ties with Israel and has coordinated military operations in Syria to avoid direct conflict with Israeli forces. Moscow does not want a regional war that would disrupt its military posture or oil prices.
Broader Goals
Russia uses the Israel-Iran conflict to:
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Undermine U.S. dominance in the region,
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Expand arms sales and energy influence,
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Present itself as a global power broker.
Bottom line: Russia backs Iran but avoids direct confrontation with Israel, positioning itself as a balancer in the regional power struggle.
3. China: Economic Expansion and Quiet Diplomacy
Key Interests
China’s interests in the Middle East are primarily economic:
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Securing energy imports from Iran and other Gulf states,
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Expanding its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects,
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Promoting regional stability to protect trade routes.
Relations with Iran
China has signed a 25-year strategic partnership with Iran, pledging $400 billion in investments in exchange for discounted oil. It has also:
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Opposed Western sanctions on Iran,
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Helped Iran circumvent the U.S. financial system,
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Promoted multipolar diplomacy to weaken U.S. influence.
Diplomatic Breakthroughs
In 2023, China brokered the surprise rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, boosting its credibility as a peace-making power. Beijing’s approach is non-interventionist and focused on economic diplomacy.
On Israel
China maintains strong trade and tech ties with Israel but has been cautious in publicly supporting either side. It has called for restraint and urged diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
Bottom line: China is focused on economic gain and diplomatic influence, avoiding direct military involvement while expanding its footprint in the Middle East.
Potential Flashpoints and Global Risks
The involvement of these global powers adds complex layers to the Israel-Iran conflict:
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If Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear sites, U.S. involvement could trigger broader confrontation with Russia or Iranian proxies.
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Russia and China may use the conflict to test Western resolve and influence.
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Any escalation that disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz could destabilize global markets.
Conclusion: A Geopolitical Chessboard
The Israel-Iran conflict is not just a regional standoff—it’s a geopolitical chessboard involving the world’s biggest powers:
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The U.S. backs Israel while containing Iran.
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Russia partners with Iran but balances interests in the region.
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China profits from both sides, seeking long-term economic advantage.
The actions of these powers will likely determine whether the conflict escalates into regional war, remains a contained standoff, or shifts toward diplomatic resolution.