With its supreme leader killed and its war machine under relentless US pressure, Iran now stands largely alone – its longtime partners Russia and China offering nothing more than diplomatic condemnations ​and expressions of concern. Tehran has responded to the US and Israeli attacks by widening the conflict beyond the Middle East, firing missiles and drones with an impact that is reverberating through global ‌energy markets, rattling capitals from Washington to Beijing and paralysing the shipping that carries 20% of the world’s oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian missiles reached as far as Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Gulf states, taking the war to their doorstep by targeting critical businesses, energy infrastructure and US bases. Oil facilities, refineries and key supply routes were hit, causing severe disruption to crude and natural gas supplies.

Full report : Russia and China’s restraint reflects a cold calculation, analysts say.