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{
  "authors": [
    "Alexander Gabuev",
    "Temur Umarov"
  ],
  "type": "commentary",
  "blog": "Carnegie Politika",
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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
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  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center",
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  "regions": [
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Attribution logo

Source: Getty

Commentary
Carnegie Politika

Why Are China and Russia Not Rushing to Help Iran?

Most of Moscow’s military resources are tied up in Ukraine, while Beijing’s foreign policy prioritizes economic ties and avoids direct conflict.   

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By Alexander Gabuev and Temur Umarov
Published on Mar 10, 2026
Carnegie Politika

Blog

Carnegie Politika

Carnegie Politika is a digital publication that features unmatched analysis and insight on Russia, Ukraine and the wider region. For nearly a decade, Carnegie Politika has published contributions from members of Carnegie’s global network of scholars and well-known outside contributors and has helped drive important strategic conversations and policy debates.

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About the Authors

Alexander Gabuev
Alexander Gabuev

Director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Alexander Gabuev is director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Gabuev’s research is focused on Russian foreign policy with particular focus on the impact of the war in Ukraine and the Sino-Russia relationship. Since joining Carnegie in 2015, Gabuev has contributed commentary and analysis to a wide range of publications, including the Financial Times, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist.

Temur Umarov

Fellow, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Temur Umarov is an expert on China and Central Asia, and a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

Authors

Alexander Gabuev
Director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center
Alexander Gabuev
Temur Umarov
Fellow, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center
Temur Umarov
Global GovernanceForeign PolicySecurityDefenseIranChinaRussia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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