China reportedly begins backing Iran in the conflict with the United States and Israel

Ankara (ANTARA) - China is reportedly starting to shift toward backing Iran by providing financial assistance, replacement parts, and missile-related components, CNN reported on Friday (6 March). Citing three people familiar with the matter, the report said Beijing has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel, but American officials are monitoring signs that China’s position may be changing. China is a major purchaser of Iran’s crude oil and, separately, has urged Tehran to ensure safe navigation through the Hormuz Strait for commercial ships, the report said. An intelligence source told CNN that China is highly cautious about lending support because the conflict could threaten its energy security. Last week, six US soldiers were killed and several others injured in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait. Iran has launched thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles at US facilities, the embassy, and civilian targets, while US and Israel strikes have hit more than 2,000 locations in Iran. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply since the US-Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, which killed more than 1,000 people, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than 150 female students, and several senior military officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as several cities in Israel. The attacks have continued to rise. Source: Anadolu