Diyaruna

2023-06-05

Iranian militias in Syria take down flags but do not leave

IRGC-affiliated militias have taken down their flags and banners in an apparent attempt to conceal their presence as Damascus restores relations with Arab countries. But they have not left Syria.

Iraq, Oman (not China) laid the groundwork for Saudi-Iran detente

Diplomacy

2023-03-22

Iraq, Oman (not China) laid the groundwork for Saudi-Iran detente

China has claimed full credit for brokering the deal, which capitalises on the hard work Iraq and Oman have put into mending Saudi-Iran rift.

China's oil imports from Russia soar, fuelling Kremlin's imperial ambitions

Diplomacy

2022-07-04

China's oil imports from Russia soar, fuelling Kremlin's imperial ambitions

The volume of Russian oil exports to China has hit a record level, handing the Kremlin vital income as it continues its brutal invasion of Ukraine.

Chinese military visit to Iran heightens worries over Beijing's intentions

Diplomacy

2022-05-02

Chinese military visit to Iran heightens worries over Beijing's intentions

The visit of China's defence minister comes amid surging purchases of Iranian oil, increasing attacks in the region from Iran's proxies, and lingering rumours about another Chinese base.

Russia derails nuclear deal talks, leaving Iran dumbfounded

Diplomacy

2022-03-09

Russia derails nuclear deal talks, leaving Iran dumbfounded

Moscow is looking out for its own interests, using Iran as a bargaining chip. But Iran still foolishly relies on this fickle friendship, observers say.

China's exports to Russia surge as Beijing touts 'rock solid' alliance with Moscow

Diplomacy

2022-03-07

China's exports to Russia surge as Beijing touts 'rock solid' alliance with Moscow

The China-Russia relationship 'is conducive to world peace, stability and development', said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

China gaining military, economic influence by racking up debtors around the world

Diplomacy

2022-01-21

China gaining military, economic influence by racking up debtors around the world

Recipients of Chinese loans and development assistance are finding themselves unable to repay or in unfavourable conditions, sparking unrest and even violence in some countries.

In Moscow, Raisi sells off China deal leftovers

Diplomacy

2022-01-20

In Moscow, Raisi sells off China deal leftovers

Iran's official slogan is 'Neither East, nor West, only the Islamic Republic'. Yet the Islamic Republic is increasingly beholden to Russia and China.

Diplomacy

2021-08-27

Russia hedges bets in Afghanistan

Strategic calculations are encouraging Moscow to embrace a group that it has funneled weapons and money to for years, and is banned in Russia as 'terrorist'.

Iraqi-Saudi ties tighten despite sabotage attempts from Iranian proxies

Diplomacy

2021-08-03

Iraqi-Saudi ties tighten despite sabotage attempts from Iranian proxies

Asaib Ahl al-Haq has tried to undermine Iraqi-Saudi ties in an effort to strengthen Iran's economic and political grip on Iraq. These attempts have backfired.