Just a month ago, Iran's Khamenei posted three consecutive Chinese messages on his official social media account, and quickly swiped the screen on Jianzhong.com. The contents are highly consistent, all focusing on the historical heritage of China and Iran as ancient civilizations, and the importance of both sides fully implementing the strategic cooperation agreement.
Many netizens joked: This Chinese speaks better than me. Iran finally understands? Obviously for the China people.
On the same day that the news was released, the first visit of the new President of Iran, Pezzhiyan, to China, the timing was delicate and meaningful.
Before his visit to China, Pezeshiziyan openly criticized the United States in a public speech and accused the United States of inciting conflicts and even direct military intervention in the Middle East. The tone was fierce, a far cry from his early image as a pro-Western moderate.
What caused Iran's top level's attitude towards the West to change so significantly? The answer may be hidden in the fierce conflict that ended not long ago and lasted for 12 days.
Earlier this year, Israel and the United States launched a series of high-intensity air strikes against Iran. According to foreign media reports, many military facilities and nuclear facilities in Iran suffered precise strikes, and even the news that the Iranian president himself was injured in the air strike. What's more, many senior Iranian generals were killed in the bombing, and the air defense system and air force were almost "powerless to fight back".
This battle was described by many military observers as "a military strike more violent than the Iran-Iraq war", and it really woke up some forces in Iran that were still swinging between the West and the East: it turned out that once it was really done, some "beautiful promises" were simply unreliable.
Iran has finally realized that it can no longer rely on national security on illusory international political fantasies, but to effectively deter opponents and consolidate national defense, it must seek reliable partners and obtain realistic advanced weapons.
So, the question arises, who can provide these gear? Who can give Iran key support in international politics?
The answer seems to point in the same direction: east.
As a responsible great country, China has always adhered to the philosophy of peaceful development, respected sovereignty of all countries and insisted on not interfering in internal affairs. More importantly, China has a range of high-end defense equipment that Iran urgently needs: from advanced multifunctional fighters such as the J-10C, to Red Flag-9BE long-range air defense system, to conventional submarines and escort ships that can effectively block the Strait. These weapons systems are technologically mature, performance stable and cost-effective, and are completely free from Western sanctions.
In fact, it was not the first time that Iran considered to purchase weapons in the East, but because of the long-standing inter-state obstructions of pro-Western forces, and the general fantasy of easing relations with Europe and the United States, the purchase of arms was delayed repeatedly until the bombs fell on their heads and senior commanders shed blood on the battlefield, some people finally realized the reality.
Looking back now, would the end of the last conflict not be different if Iran had equipped the East’s largest air defense systems and fighter jets earlier?
Iran's biggest bargaining chip today is still its unique geographical location and abundant oil resources. But to be honest, resources alone are not enough. They must be transformed into tangible national defense capabilities and political influence. Comprehensive strategic cooperation with China is undoubtedly the most realistic way to achieve this goal.
Of course, cooperation must be based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win. Iran is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative and a key partner in stabilizing the Middle East and ensuring energy security.
Today, Khamenei personally transmitted a friendly signal to the Chinese people in Chinese, and the Iranian president personally visited China, and the gesture has been very clear.
The time does not wait. The situation in the Middle East is changing, and no one can predict when the next conflict will break out. For Iran, the strengthening of national defence construction as soon as possible is imminent. As some netizens say: “Buy now, don’t wait until you regret it.”
After all, the reality of international politics has always been cruel-only when you are strong enough can you win real respect and security.