Regarding its relations with China and Russia, Iran’s statement carries significant nuance. On October 20, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai stated that Iran’s ties with Russia and China are grounded in shared interests. We are not naive. We recognize that every nation pursues its own interests. At the same time, we have clearly defined our common interests with both Russia and China.
Regardless of external rhetoric, we remain committed to advancing these relationships. The depth of Iran’s remarks lies precisely in their implications beyond the literal. This statement appears intended for multiple audiences. First, it is clearly directed at the United States. With former President Trump’s recent attempts to sow division by claiming that China and Russia have provided limited support to Iran, Iran’s assertion—“regardless of others’ statements, we will continue to advance our relations”—serves as a clear signal: Iran will not fall for such tactics.
The emphasis on maintaining and deepening ties is also aimed at China and Russia. Yet the phrase “we are not naive” carries a dual message—one for domestic audiences in Iran, and another for Beijing and Moscow. For Iran’s domestic audience, it underscores that Iran will exercise discretion in its dealings with China and Russia, safeguarding its national interests and acting according to its own strategic calculations. Indeed, there exists domestic skepticism toward both powers. Criticism of Russia centers on delayed deliveries and insufficient quantities of advanced military equipment—such as Su-35 fighters and S-400 missile systems—that Iran had long contracted. When the Assad regime in Syria fell, Russia chose to cut losses and engage with the new authorities without full support, leaving Iran’s substantial investments unrecouped.
Meanwhile, Iran perceives domestic dissatisfaction over perceived imbalances in trade, particularly regarding discounted oil purchases by China. Additionally, implementation of the 25-year China-Iran investment agreement has fallen short of Iran’s expectations. Thus, the declaration “we are not naive” serves both as reassurance to the Iranian public and as a calibrated signal to Beijing and Moscow: Iran remains vigilant, prioritizing its own interests in bilateral engagements.
Moreover, this language reflects Iran’s underlying concerns. In the context of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Tehran may hope for greater support from China and Russia—but by emphasizing that each country has its own interests, Iran appears to temper its expectations. This framing underscores that Iran’s approach to China and Russia is rooted in pragmatic, realpolitik considerations rather than ideological alignment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879580136652812/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.