CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed on Wednesday that Iran is seeking intelligence assistance from Russia, China and other U.S. rivals as the U.S. and Israeli militaries continue to pummel the Islamic Republic with airstrikes.

A preference for strategic flexibility has left Beijing dependent on a narrow set of “allies” whose usefulness is limited – especially in times of crisis.

Iran has continued to ship crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz to China even as the war between U.S.-Israel and Iran has disrupted broader energy supplies via the waterway.

With oil supply disrupted, Beijing's oil reserves and renewable energy push are being put to the test.

China, the world’s biggest crude importer, is close to tapping its vast commercial oil reserves as the Middle East war shows no signs of ending, according to FGE NexantECA.

STOCKHOLM, March 18 (Reuters) - Russia, China and Iran are the biggest threats to Sweden, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) said on Wednesday in its annual report on threats facing the country. The security police has warned in recent years of rising threats,

A US report claims China supplied drones, rocket fuel chemicals, and satellite support to Iran amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, raising global security concerns.

Analysts say the U.S. President’s decision appears driven by the Iran conflict, and a need to manage the fallout in energy markets.