WANA (Aug 03) – Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, Political Deputy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), addressed public speculation regarding the absence of Chinese and Russian support during Iran’s recent 12-day conflict, explaining that Iran has no mutual defense pacts with either country obligating wartime support.

 

In a video published by the Political Affairs Department of the IRGC, Javani responded to questions raised within Iranian society about the role of China and Russia during the conflict. He stated:

 

“Some questioned why, despite our 25-year and 20-year cooperation agreements with China and Russia, those countries didn’t assist us during the 12-day war. Of course, some politically motivated individuals are fueling these questions with certain agendas.”

 

General Javani emphasized three key points to clarify the situation:

 

1. No Mutual Defense Commitments with China or Russia

He stressed that Iran’s long-term cooperation agreements with China and Russia are not military alliances that involve mutual defense obligations.

 

“These agreements do not resemble security pacts in which countries commit to defending each other in case of war. We have military cooperation, equipment transactions, and joint initiatives—but not agreements obligating wartime intervention.”

 

He added: “For example, although we have military cooperation with Russia, it does not mean that when Russia went to war with Ukraine, we were obligated to join the war on Russia’s side—or that Russia is similarly bound to defend us.”

 

2. Iran Did Not Request Foreign Military Assistance

Javani clarified that Iran made no formal request for assistance from any foreign government or even its regional resistance allies during the 12-day conflict.

 

“We did not ask for help from Russia, China, or even members of the Axis of Resistance. So, it’s not accurate to claim they didn’t support us when no request was made.”

 

3. Political Support from Russia During the Conflict

Finally, Javani acknowledged Russia’s political and diplomatic support throughout the conflict: “President Putin, in particular, took notable diplomatic steps in favor of the Islamic Republic within international forums. Russia fulfilled its expected political role.”

Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot is seen following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot is seen following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)