International News: The 12-day war between Iran and Israel may have officially ended with a ceasefire on June 24, but the calm appears to be only temporary. Both nations are fully aware that hostilities could erupt again at any moment—and are preparing accordingly. With growing foreign involvement, the conflict now has a broader geopolitical dimension, drawing in the United States and China as silent power brokers behind the scenes.
U.S. Military Aid Flowing to Israel
In recent days, Israel has received a steady stream of weapons, missiles, and logistical support from the United States via military cargo planes. This direct assistance highlights Washington’s unwavering commitment to backing Israel, with the clear intent to maintain its strategic edge should another war break out.
China Bolsters Iran’s Missile Capabilities
Meanwhile, Iran is not standing alone. According to a report by Mehr News Agency, citing an Arab intelligence official, China supplied Iran with surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries immediately following the ceasefire agreement. These deliveries are seen as a critical move to rebuild Iran's depleted air defense systems, which were heavily strained during the recent conflict.
Replenishing Arsenal After Thousands of Missile Launches
Throughout the 12-day war, Iran launched thousands of missiles at Israeli targets, significantly depleting its stockpiles. The newly delivered SAM systems from China are expected to help Iran quickly rebuild and reactivate its missile defenses. However, the exact number of missile batteries delivered remains undisclosed.
Oil-for-Weapons: Unveiling the China-Iran Deal
The Arab official further revealed that Iran is compensating China with crude oil shipments in exchange for the military hardware. China, which is Iran’s largest oil customer, imported approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil and condensate exports as of May 2025, according to a U.S. intelligence report.
Bypassing Sanctions: China’s Role in Undermining U.S. Pressure
Despite long-standing U.S. sanctions, China continues to purchase Iranian oil in large quantities. To obscure the origin of the oil and avoid penalties, China often uses transit hubs such as Malaysia, effectively masking the trade. This strategy not only allows China to access discounted oil but also provides Iran with crucial financial lifelines, insulating it from full-scale economic isolation.
Is Another War Inevitable?
The ongoing flow of arms and renewed military preparations from both Iran and Israel—backed by their respective global allies—suggest that the ceasefire may be just a pause in a much longer conflict. As regional tensions simmer beneath the surface, the strategic involvement of global powers is further destabilizing the already fragile balance in the Middle East. The question now looms: Will this uneasy truce hold, or are both sides merely counting down to the next confrontation?
