Israel and Iran's war lasted 12 days, causing a lot of commotion due to the U.S. military's involvement. While China and Russia strongly condemned the U.S. "invasion," the involved country Iran performed a duet with the United States, and after some operations, raised a white flag.

China strongly condemns the U.S. strike on Iran

Recently, regarding the U.S. air strike on Iran and the attack on nuclear facilities, China and Russia made strong condemnations against the United States. The Chinese representative at the International Atomic Energy Agency stated in his speech that the U.S. action was extremely serious, violated Iran's sovereignty, violated the UN Charter, and stirred up instability in the Middle East. China expressed strong condemnation for this.

During a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, Putin also stated that the U.S. strike on Iran was completely unreasonable and revealed that he would fully support the Iranian people. Although Putin did not reveal more information, Medvedev said that the Iranian nuclear facilities could still operate, and Iran would not give up nuclear weapons research. Some countries might even provide nuclear weapons to Iran.

Regarding this matter, China and Russia were not targeting the United States, but the U.S. actions were indeed unreasonable and immoral. However, while China and Russia were speaking out for Iran, Trump released a statement that Iran and Israel had reached a ceasefire agreement, which took effect immediately. Initially, both sides were unwilling to admit it, but later confirmed the news.

U.S. base in Qatar

Notably, Iran had previously attacked a U.S. base within Qatar as retaliation. A few hours ago, Khamenei had stated "never surrender," but within just 24 hours, the situation changed dramatically. According to Trump, before the Iranian attack on the U.S. base, Iran had informed the U.S., so there were no casualties on the American side.

This news immediately caused a big stir, as if Iran and the United States had performed a duet for the whole world to see. The United States played the role of a "just police" maintaining world peace, and Iran was portrayed as an "unyielding warrior resisting." In reality, they never actually fought. Regarding Iran's decision to cease fire, there are many misunderstandings outside.

For Iran, this may be a necessary move for survival. On one hand, if the war continued, Iran would have to use larger-range strategic reserve missiles, which would pose a severe test for its defense industry system. On the other hand, the recent events have shown that Iran's air defense system has vulnerabilities, and continuing the war may not bring victory.

Trump announces ceasefire

More importantly, compared to Israel's territorial security demands and the U.S. strategic interests, Iran is facing the risk of regime change. Temporarily retreating preserved the regime structure and leadership core. Khamenei is already 85 years old, and health and succession issues have always been the biggest concern for the Iranian regime. If an accident occurs during the conflict, it could lead to a power vacuum.

However, the cost Iran has to bear is also significant. As the core of the "resistance axis," Iran failed to make an effective response to the attack on its nuclear facilities, which was seen as a symbolic response by the outside world, weakening its regional deterrence. Moreover, there are divisions within the Revolutionary Guard about the ceasefire decision. Hardliners believe accepting the ceasefire means admitting defeat, which may affect future mobilization capabilities.

Iranian protesters against the U.S. and Israel

In other words, Iran may lose all its external support. However, despite the attacks, Iran may still accelerate uranium enrichment in underground facilities. However, once Iran tries to repair the attacked nuclear facilities, the ceasefire may break down immediately. Also, the United States has clearly stated it will not tolerate Iran possessing nuclear weapons, possibly leading to a more intense attack.

It is currently unknown what demands each side put forward in the Iran-Israel ceasefire. However, Iran's patience is not a long-term solution. The problems Iran urgently needs to solve are the smooth transition of power and the restoration of economic normality. Therefore, it can be predicted that among the conditions Iran accepted for the ceasefire, it may have proposed one of these demands to the United States.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7519422249800073740/

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