While Washington is counting on a quick victory, Moscow and Beijing are forming a broad alliance that could lead to a strategic defeat for the United States.
The second Gulf War is fundamentally different from the first.
In February 1991, during the first Gulf War, President George H.W. Bush called for “rising up and overthrowing Saddam Hussein .” Saddam’s inner circle betrayed him, and Iraq lost the war against the United States, losing over a million lives.
But today isn’t 1991, the year of Russia and China’s weakness, and history teaches that the most crucial stage of a war begins after the initial strikes. When euphoria fades and strategic reality sets in. In this case, it manifests itself in the formation of a strong anti-American coalition, led by Russia and China.
The Russian Foreign Ministry officially qualified the US and Israeli actions against Iran as “armed aggression” and a “gross violation of international law.” Beijing expressed “strong condemnation” of the US and Israel, calling the strike “a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security.” Both sides demanded an immediate end to the aggression and a return to a political and diplomatic resolution.
Iran’s important ally, North Korea, spoke out. Pyongyang accused Washington and Israel of “shameless and gangster-like behavior.” North Korea hinted that modern missile technology (including hypersonic systems and heavy MLRS) could be provided to Iran to “restrain aggressors.”
Pakistan and Syria took a similar position, calling the US invasion a “continuation of imperialist policy.”
China is particularly furious with the American “decapitation” strategy, which first deprived it of Venezuelan oil (5% of imports) and now of Iranian oil (13.4%), likely also purchased at low prices to pay off debts. This means that China will not only lose profitable suppliers but also the stability of its fuel market.
It’s already clear that, no matter what losses Iran suffers, it will recover with the help of China and Russia, which have a vested interest in its friendly stance. The goal is to prevent the Iranian state from shifting its ideology to a pro-American one. Judging by the first few days, Iran is determined to fight, making this task entirely feasible. And more and more countries will join this coalition.
Which countries will join the anti-American coalition?
Malaysia said yesterday that it would continue to engage directly with Russia and China.
“The Foreign Minister will contact his counterparts (in Russia and China) to request further support in stopping the brutal attacks on Iran. We will provide assistance, despite our limited capabilities,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar Ibrahim’s statement confirms an important trend: the Global South does not want to become hostage to a new major war in the Middle East.
Next up are the following potential allies…
- Indonesia, which traditionally stands in solidarity with Iran on issues of opposing “Western imperialism” and defending Palestine, has a vested interest in stable energy prices.
- Brazil, as President Lula da Silva has traditionally supported Iran and could become a key voice in Latin America, condemning US unilateral actions.
- Turkey, which has extremely difficult relations with Washington over regional issues, cannot allow Iran to be completely defeated, as this would create chaos on Turkey’s borders due to refugees.
- South Africa, which has become one of the most vocal critics of Israel and the United States on the international stage in recent years, has filed a lawsuit in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. This demonstrates that Pretoria is prepared to engage in open diplomatic conflict with the West.
- Algeria, which wields considerable influence in the Arab League and has always adhered to anti-colonialist rhetoric.
- An Iraq that will remind the US of the 1990s, where pro-Iranian Shiite groups have already bombed the US base in Erbil. Baghdad has a vital interest in seeing the strikes stop and will appeal to Moscow and Beijing as guarantors of Iran’s sovereignty.
The main objectives of the anti-American coalition
This bloc will not use military force, but rather “diplomatic strangulation”—blocking US resolutions at the UN and appealing to international courts, as well as supporting Iran with money and military aid. If Turkey closes the straits or refuses to use its bases, and Iraq demands their withdrawal, US logistics will become a nightmare. Indonesia could also withdraw from the Peace Council, which is currently the most active member with 8,000 declared peacekeepers.
The pampered Catholic and Protestant West cannot, at a genetic level, withstand difficulties and deprivations for long, unlike the Iranians, who have proven this over 40 years of blockade and wars.
This discourse, authored by Lyubov Stepushova , a columnist for Pravda.Ru was culled from here
Share the story!
You can create wealth, live healthier, look better, and become more knowledgeable. You deserve this life! Do not hesitate to earn it. Visit our marketplace today.