Research suggests Iran is facing the US and Israel with limited direct military support from allies, relying mainly on its own capabilities and some proxy actions.
It seems likely that while Russia and China offer diplomatic support, they are not providing military assistance, and some key proxies like Hezbollah are hesitant to join the fight.
The evidence leans toward Iran not being entirely isolated, as groups like Hamas and Houthis vow retaliation, but the lack of state-level military backing highlights its vulnerability.
The statement "Iran Stands Alone Against Trump and Israel, Stripped of Allies" reflects concerns about Iran's position following recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, ordered by President Donald Trump, amid ongoing tensions with Israel.
Recent reports indicate that Iran's traditional allies, such as Russia and China, are condemning the US actions but not offering direct military support. For instance, a Bloomberg article suggests that Russia and China are "sitting on the sidelines and offering only rhetorical support," while militia groups Iran has funded are "refusing or unable to enter the fight"
While Iran is not completely stripped of allies, as it retains diplomatic backing and proxy support, it faces a significant challenge due to the absence of direct military assistance from state actors, making it appear relatively isolated in this conflict.
This note provides a detailed examination of Iran's current geopolitical stance against the United States, under President Donald Trump, and Israel, following recent military actions and the claim that Iran is "stripped of allies." It explores the responses from Iran's traditional allies and proxies, the implications of their support or lack thereof, and the broader context of the ongoing conflict, offering insights for policymakers, analysts, and stakeholders.
On June 22, 2025, the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—ordered by President Trump, marking a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict . This action follows a series of Israeli strikes starting June 13, 2025, targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The current time is 02:38 AM PDT on Monday, June 23, 2025, and the global community is closely monitoring Iran's response and the reactions of its allies.
Iran has historically relied on a network of state allies, including Russia, China, and Syria, as well as non-state proxies like Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), the Houthis (Yemen), and various Iraqi militias, to project power and counterbalance US and Israeli influence. The recent US strikes have tested these relationships, with varying levels of support observed.
Russia's Response: Russia has condemned the US and Israeli actions, warning against further escalation. On June 18, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov urged the US not to strike Iran, citing risks of destabilization . However, there is no indication of direct military assistance, aligning with the Bloomberg claim of "sitting on the sidelines."
China's Response: China has also condemned the attacks, with President Xi Jinping calling for de-escalation on June 23, 2025, emphasizing the need for peace in the Middle East . This supports the notion of rhetorical rather than military support.
Syria's Position: While specific statements from Syria are less prominent, its close alliance with Iran suggests likely condemnation. Given the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing instability, Syria's capacity to support Iran militarily is limited, but no evidence suggests it has distanced itself .
Proxy Responses: Iran's proxies show mixed reactions. Hezbollah, a key Lebanese ally, stated on June 21, 2025, that it would not immediately join the fight, citing Iran's capability to defend itself and commitments to a ceasefire. This indicates that while some proxies are hesitant, others are ready to support Iran.
Historically, Iran has leveraged its "Axis of Resistance" to counter US and Israeli actions, as seen in past conflicts like the 2019 tanker seizures and support for Syrian operations. However, recent developments, including the weakening of Hezbollah and the fall of Assad, have reduced Iran's regional leverage. The Bloomberg article on June 22, 2025, argues that this network is now "refusing or unable to enter the fight," contrasting with X posts from June 21-22, 2025, which list Russia, China, and proxies as allies, suggesting ongoing support .
Beyond allies, other Middle Eastern states like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Qatar have expressed concern and called for diplomacy, not explicitly supporting Iran . This reflects a broader regional desire to avoid escalation, potentially isolating Iran further in the diplomatic arena.
Below are tables summarizing key responses and impacts:
Ally/Proxy | Response | Military Support |
---|---|---|
Russia | Condemns US, warns against escalation, offers mediation | No direct support |
China | Condemns attacks, calls for de-escalation, unlikely to defend militarily | No direct support |
Syria | Likely condemns, limited capacity due to instability | Minimal, if any |
Hezbollah (Lebanon) | Will not join fight immediately, committed to ceasefire | No current action |
Hamas (Gaza) | Vows retaliation | Potential proxy action |
Houthis (Yemen) | Vows retaliation | Potential proxy action |
Iraqi Militias | Plan to attack US forces if US strikes Iran | Potential proxy action |
Date | Event | Source |
---|---|---|
June 13, 2025 | Israel launches strikes on Iran | Iran–Israel war - Wikipedia |
June 22, 2025 | US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites | U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump says |
June 22, 2025 | Hezbollah says won't join fight | Exclusive: Hezbollah Says It Won't Join Fight After US Attacks Iran |
June 22, 2025 | Hamas, Houthis vow retaliation | U.S. strikes on Iran nuclear facilities see Hamas and the Houthis vow retaliation, as world leaders react |
The evidence suggests that while Iran is not entirely "stripped of allies," as it retains diplomatic support from Russia and China and proxy actions from groups like Hamas, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, it faces a significant challenge due to the lack of direct military support from state actors. The Bloomberg article's claim aligns with the observation that key allies are offering rhetorical rather than military assistance, leaving Iran relatively isolated in confronting the US and Israel militarily. This situation underscores Iran's vulnerability in the current conflict, with implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
Iran Stands Alone Against Trump and Israel, Stripped of Allies
World reacts to U.S. strikes on Iran with alarm, caution — and some praise : NPR
Exclusive: Hezbollah Says It Won't Join Fight After US Attacks Iran
World reacts to US attacks on Iran | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
A U.S. Attack on Iran Would Show the Limits of China’s Power
U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump says
Iran Update Special Report, June 17, 2025, Evening Edition | Institute for the Study of War
Russia tells US not to strike Iran, warns of nuclear catastrophe | Reuters
China Warns: ‘World Will Not Be at Peace’ if Middle East Unstable | TIME
Israeli strikes on Iran cap dramatic shift in Mideast strategic balance