China Reported to Begin Assisting Iran as Russia Provides Satellite Imagery and Targeting Intelligence

China is reportedly beginning to shift its support to Iran by providing financial assistance, replacement parts, and components related to missiles. Citing three sources familiar with the matter, the report says Beijing has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict between the United States and Israel, but US officials are monitoring signs that Beijing’s stance may be changing.

China is a major buyer of Iranian crude and, separately, has urged Tehran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, the report states. An intelligence source told CNN that China is being very cautious in providing support because the conflict could threaten its energy security.

CNN also reported that Russia is alleged to have shared satellite imagery and other targeting intelligence with Iran, including data on the positions and movements of U.S. forces. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declined to comment on the reports.

Last week, six American soldiers were killed and several others wounded in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait. Iran has launched thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles at U.S. military facilities, the embassy, and civilian targets, while U.S. and Israeli strikes have hit more than 2,000 sites in Iran.

Tensions in the Middle East have risen sharply since the United States–Israel launched a major offensive against Iran on Saturday, killing more than 1,000 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and a number of senior military officials. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as several cities in Israel. The attacks have continued to escalate.