China has issued one of its strongest geopolitical warnings in years, cautioning that any U.S. military action against Iran could plunge the Middle East—and beyond—into uncontrollable chaos. The warning comes as U.

China’s muted response to Iran’s violent crackdown and mounting U.S. pressure underscores the transactional nature of their relationship, rooted in oil and geopolitics rather than genuine strategic commitment.

Claims that China carried out a large military airlift to Iran in late January spread quickly online. U.S. officials say the story is false and distracts from the more limited reality of Beijing’s

Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov discusses closer military cooperation with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun.

Yes, China’s response to the violence in Iran has been muted. But don’t overlook the support that China has already provided in the form of surveillance and drone technology.

Taken together, growing tensions over Iran highlight the fragility of the US-China truce, which could yet collapse in 2026. Even if Trump does not proceed with his tariff threat, the damage to diplomatic trust may complicate, or even force a cancellation of Trump’s trip to Beijing in April.

China is weighing how far it is willing to go to protect its economic relationship with Iran as the United States threatens new tariffs on countries that defy Washington’s line on Tehran.

Iran was set to participate in joint naval exercises in South Africa's waters with several other BRICS countries.

Donald Trump's moves against two key suppliers have revived debate over China’s fragile oil balance. With domestic output flat and oil fields aging, how much capacity — if any — exists to raise production?

Beijing is relieved as signs emerge of deescalation between the United States and Iran, assuaging fears of a confrontation that could have disrupted Gulf stability and China’s energy supplies.

Araghchi’s comments came after President Donald Trump said Iran is ready to make a deal to avert U.S. strikes. Trump has sent warships into the region, which he described as an “armada”, to pressure Iran in the wake of its deadly crackdown on protests.