China weighs financial and military support for Iran amid escalating conflict

China is reportedly weighing options to provide Iran with financial aid, replacement parts, and missile-related components, according to a CNN report on Friday. Sources familiar with the matter say Beijing has so far avoided direct involvement in the conflict, but U.S. officials are monitoring potential shifts in its stance.

China remains a major buyer of Iranian crude oil and has called on Tehran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. An intelligence source told CNN that Beijing is approaching any support cautiously due to concerns over potential impacts on its energy security.

Meanwhile, Russia is allegedly sharing satellite imagery and targeting intelligence with Iran, including information on U.S. troop movements. Last week, six U.S. soldiers were killed and several others injured in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.

Iran has launched thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles at U.S. military sites, embassies, and civilian targets, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on more than 2,000 locations in Iran. Regional tensions have surged after the strikes, which reportedly killed over 1,000 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials.

Iran continues its retaliation with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. bases, diplomatic facilities, military personnel, and several Israeli cities, intensifying the conflict in the region.