08.03.2026 14:40
After the conflicts with the US and Israel, Iran's long-established "axis of resistance" did not provide the expected military support. While Russia and China limited their reactions to diplomatic statements, the cautious behavior of regional actors such as Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah for various reasons led to comments that Iran is largely isolated on the ground.
Iran has created a strong geopolitical bloc image through the "axis of resistance" established with Russia, China, and its allies in the Middle East for many years. While this structure appears quite strong on paper, it has presented a different picture on the ground following conflicts with the US and Israel.
REACTIONS REMAINED LIMITED TO DIPLOMATIC STATEMENTS
With the onset of the war, the reactions from Russia and China have mostly been limited to diplomatic statements. China condemned Israel's attacks at the United Nations Security Council and expressed condolences for civilian casualties. Russia, on the other hand, described the attacks as "unjustified" and criticized the killing of Iranian leaders. However, these statements did not imply direct military support on the ground.
SO WHY DID THEY TAKE SUCH A STANCE?
According to analysts, there are two different strategic calculations behind this situation. Russia's heavy military and political burden in the Ukraine war makes it difficult for Moscow to engage in a new front. China, on the other hand, follows a policy that prioritizes economic and diplomatic stability over ideological loyalty. While it seems possible for Beijing to continue purchasing Iranian oil, the likelihood of direct involvement in a war in the Middle East is considered quite low.
ON THE OTHER FRONT, IRAN IS NOT GETTING WHAT IT WANTS EITHER
This situation has once again highlighted the importance of the regional power network that Iran has established over the years. However, the picture on this front does not appear to be as strong as Tehran had hoped.
HAMAS HAS BEEN WEAKENED IN GAZA
The heavy losses of Hamas in Gaza, the long-standing conflicts of the Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah's need to consider the internal balances in Lebanon are cited as factors limiting Iran's regional support capacity.
THERE IS HESITATION ON THE HEZBOLLAH FRONT
Particularly, the hesitation experienced on the Hezbollah front is noteworthy. The long-standing tension at the Israel-Lebanon border and the economic and political crisis within Lebanon have led to serious discussions within the organization regarding the cost of entering a broader war on behalf of Iran.
INTEREST-BASED ALLIANCES, WHEN RISKS INCREASE...
According to experts, all these developments once again reveal one of the fundamental realities of international politics: interest-based alliances often fail to show the expected solidarity when risks increase. The situation faced by Iran is seen as a reflection of this very reality.