"Strengthening air defense capabilities is clearly an urgent priority for Iran at the moment," expert Hongda Fan told Newsweek.

Following devastating US and Israeli strikes that have crippled its nuclear infrastructure, decimated its air defenses, and killed top commanders, Iran faces a monumental task in rebuilding its military.

“North Korea is now a more important ally for Russia than Iran or China,” said Oleg Ignatov, senior Russia analyst for Crisis Group.

The summit highlights Tehran's growing relationship with Beijing — and Moscow — following its recent conflict with Israel, which was joined by the United States in attacking Iranian nuclear sites. China's support provides Iran with crucial economic and military backing that stands to weaken U.S.-led sanctions and containment efforts.

Iran’s national mathematics Olympiad team became runners-up in the 3rd International Mathematics Summer Camp (IMSC) in China.

A man holds an Iranian flag by an Iranian Red Crescent ambulance destroyed during an Israeli strike, displayed in Tehran on June 23, 2025 [Atta Kenare/AFP] Russia and China have strongly condemned ...

Reimposing international sanctions will only make the situation over Iran's nuclear issue more complex, Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday, according to state media, ahead of a meeting on Friday with three European states.