Iran’s informal alliances seem stronger than America’s formal ones

The coalition of America’s avowed enemies remains very much alive and active. North Korea, Russia, China and the so-called Axis of Resistance that comprises Iran, the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas and several Iraqi militias continue to undermine American influence and power. This continues despite the heavy losses that Ukraine has inflicted on Russia and that America and Israel have inflicted on Iran.

North Korea is sending Russia an additional 30,000 troops, roughly twice the previous tranche of fighters. Like their predecessors, these troops will be mere cannon fodder. They will be poorly integrated into the Russian forces, sent to face certain death with minimal knowledge of Russian language or tactics.

Russia has been assisting Iran with satellite surveillance and targeting information that has enabled Tehran to hit American facilities with greater accuracy. Despite its own heavy losses, Russia has been providing Tehran with drones, drone components and other supplies. Indeed, last week Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his forces had launched “long‑range strikes in the Caspian Sea” that struck Russian two “vessels used in military cargo shipments involving Iran.”

China has provided significant covert support to both Russia and Iran. Last year, China accounted for 80 percent of the components Russia used in weapons production. China has shipped drone parts to Russia, including engines and antennas. Beijing also has provided Moscow with surveillance support, possibly including satellite intelligence.

China has supported Iran with reconnaissance support and chemicals for missile fuel. Beijing is also sending Iran 400........

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