Iran’s foreign minister openly acknowledged on Saturday that China has been assisting Tehran in its conflict with the United States and Israel, following earlier confirmation that Russia is also providing support.
“Russia and China are our strategic partners, and we have maintained close cooperation in the past, which continues today, including in the military sphere,” Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS Now.
Both nations have faced accusations of supplying Iran with intelligence on U.S. military positions during Operation Epic Fury.
Araghchi highlighted China’s role shortly after reiterating Russia’s involvement, saying, “Military cooperation between Iran and Russia is nothing new. It is no secret,” in remarks to NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. He did not specify the details of the assistance provided by China and Russia but described their collaboration as “good cooperation.”
These admissions contradict prior assurances from Russian officials to U.S. leaders. Ambassador Steve Witkoff told CNBC that Russian representatives had assured President Trump during a Monday phone call that they were not sharing intelligence with Iran.
“I can tell you that on the call with President Trump yesterday, the Russians said they have not been sharing… we can take them at their word, but that was their statement,” Witkoff said.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his strong support for Iran, sending a message to the country’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, congratulating him on Monday. “I am sure that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people,” Putin said.
Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed by Iran’s Assembly of Experts following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike.
Regarding President Trump’s recent overnight strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island—an essential hub for the nation’s oil exports—Araghchi warned that Tehran would retaliate against neighboring countries if its energy infrastructure is attacked. He also accused the United Arab Emirates of permitting the United States to use its territory as a base for the strikes.
In response, the UAE criticized Iran’s approach, calling it a “confused policy” that has “lost its compass.” In a statement from Anwar Gargash, adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE emphasized its right to self-defense while asserting that it continues to act with “restraint” and seeks a peaceful resolution for Iran and the region.