Putin’s Iran gamble backed by Xi Jinping? China summit raises alarm over new power bloc formation

Xi Jinping’s Beijing talks with Vladimir Putin, held days after President Trump’s visit, sparked questions over whether the two coordinated their approach to the Iran conflict as Xi publicly urged an end to Middle East hostilities. With a brittle Iran–U.S. ceasefire in place and oil prices spiking, Beijing’s mediation rhetoric contrasts with Tehran‑aligned figures quietly gaining diplomatic momentum.