Friends of Iran Lose Their Hands

Iran has long lived on the fringes of Western politics, but it kept close ties with several nations that shared its distrust of the United States. Back in the day, Turkey and India traded goods with Iran and sometimes coordinated on security matters. China bought oil from Tehran at low prices, while Russia, North Korea and Venezuela viewed Iran as a partner in pushing back against the West. These countries also helped develop weapons that could break U. S. sanctions.

Today, Iran is under pressure from the United States and Israel. The people who once stood beside it now offer only polite words, and their own governments could become targets if they intervene. For example, Turkey said that a NATO missile intercepted an Iranian rocket headed toward its borders, and Iran denied any intention to attack the country. Without solid allies, Iran faces a lonely battle. Experts say this is because Tehran has chosen to focus on its own militias and ideological goals rather than forming real, dependable partnerships. The result is a strategy that puts Iran in direct conflict with powerful enemies while leaving it without reliable support.

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