
China's statement supporting Iran provides diplomatic cover for Tehran and frames the strikes as illegal aggression, according to Tehran Times, while widening the diplomatic rift with the US and Israel and raising energy market risks due to Gulf-region fighting affecting oil shipping and global prices, per Asia News Network.
AI-generated summary
China's statement provides diplomatic support for Iran amid ongoing strikes, framing them as illegal aggression, while aligning with Russia against the US and Israel.
For Iran: Beijing’s statement provides high-level diplomatic cover and reinforces Tehran’s argument that the strikes were "illegal aggression", according to Tehran Times.
For the US and Israel: It sharpens the diplomatic divide, with China aligning publicly with Iran and Russia against Washington and Jerusalem.
For energy markets: Continued Gulf-region fighting raises risks for oil shipping, regional infrastructure, and global energy prices — issues especially relevant to import-dependent economies, according to Asia News Network.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued Gulf-region fighting will persist in the near term, maintaining upward pressure on global energy prices.
Likely · Within weeks
The Middle East conflict disrupts regional aviation as Etihad extends Saudi flight suspensions, oil prices fall following potential US waivers on Russia, and Strait of Hormuz reopening talks stall.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi pledged to defend Saudi Arabia and Gulf allies if requested, emphasizing a strictly defensive stance. He also highlighted the critical economic support Gulf nations provided to Egypt following the 2011 events.

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The ninth GCC-Russia Joint Ministerial Meeting in Manama focused on regional security, the Iranian nuclear program, and strengthening strategic ties. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and GCC counterparts emphasized de-escalation and economic growth.