Russia, China ready to enter Iran war? Phone call between Putin, Xi top aides scares US, Israel?

Russia and China have condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after the U.S.–Israel strike, with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping holding urgent talks. Beijing warned the attack violates Iran’s sovereignty, while Moscow called it a “cynical” breach of international norms. The Iran war threatens China’s oil lifeline and access to the Strait of Hormuz, and puts Russia’s strategic investments and regional influence at risk. As energy markets, alliances, and global power balances shift, experts say the fallout could reshape West Asia and the wider geopolitical order—impacting not just Tehran, but Moscow, Beijing, and beyond. times