China Reportedly Starts Supporting Iran at War with the US-Israel

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/mostafa meraji

JAKARTA - China is likely to start switching to supporting Iran by providing financial assistance, replacement parts, and missile-related components.

CNN quoted three sources familiar with the matter, the report said Beijing has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel, but US officials are monitoring signs that China's position may change.

China is the main buyer of Iranian crude and has separately urged Tehran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, the report said.

An intelligence source told CNN China is very cautious about providing support because the conflict could threaten its energy security.

CNN also reported that Russia was suspected of sharing satellite imagery and other targeting intelligence with Iran, including data on the positions and movements of US forces. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declined to comment on the report.

Last week, six US soldiers were killed and several others were injured in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait.

Iran has launched thousands of attacks and hundreds of missiles on US military facilities, embassies, and civilian targets, while US and Israeli attacks have hit more than 2,000 locations in Iran.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply since the US-Israel launched a massive attack on Iran on Saturday, killing more than 1,000 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than 150 female students, and a number of senior military officials.

Iran retaliated with a drone missile attack that targeted US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel throughout the region, as well as several cities in Israel. The attacks continue to escalate.