Iran has formally requested urgent humanitarian assistance from Vladimir Putin’s government after weeks of heavy airstrikes of severely damaged hospitals and emergency facilities across the country.
According to Maria Zakharova, the Iranian healthcare system is under extreme pressure, with medical centres overwhelmed by casualties, particularly among women and children.
She said the sustained attacks have left many facilities struggling to cope with the growing number of injured civilians.
In response, President Putin has ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia has already dispatched more than 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Azerbaijan, where the materials will be transferred onward into Iran.
Moscow also urged the United States and Israel to halt ongoing military operations and return to diplomatic negotiations to de-escalate the crisis.
Meanwhile, China is facing growing international scrutiny after abstaining in a vote at the United Nations Security Council condemning missile and drone attacks allegedly launched by Iran against seven Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. The resolution reportedly received backing from 135 countries worldwide.
Analysts say Beijing’s position contrasts sharply with earlier remarks by Chinese officials, including Mao Ning and Wang Yi, who had strongly criticised the United States and Israel for what they described as “serious violations of sovereignty.”
However, when asked about reports that Iran launched 174 missiles and 689 drones targeting civilian infrastructure in Gulf states, Chinese authorities declined to directly identify the attacker.
Energy trade dynamics may partly explain Beijing’s stance. Data indicates that since February 28, approximately 11.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil have arrived at Chinese ports, even as much of the global commercial fleet has reduced movement through the Strait of Hormuz due to cancelled insurance coverage and escalating security risks.
Experts say China’s decision could reflect strategic economic considerations rather than neutrality. China is estimated to purchase between 80 and 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, often at discounted rates ranging from $9 to $12 below global market prices. The lower-cost crude gives Chinese refineries a significant advantage at a time when many competitors face supply disruptions.
While 135 countries supported the condemnation vote, critics argue that the situation highlights a stark contrast: China publicly presents itself as a defender of peace, yet its oil tankers remain among the few still operating through the region’s high-risk maritime routes.
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