New Delhi: A fierce conflict is underway between the US and Iran, with both sides targeting each other. In retaliation for US actions, Iran has been continuously launching missiles to inflict damage. Angered by US strikes, Iran launched an attack that inadvertently harmed a friendly nation; the strike targeted a Chinese firm. A Chinese building sustained severe damage due to the Iranian attack.
Iran has been targeting US military bases across the Middle East, and it was with this objective that the strike in Kuwait was carried out. The Kuwaiti military reported that Thursday’s attack targeted a building belonging to a Chinese company in northern Kuwait, causing damage to the structure. Tragically, an employee of the Chinese company lost their life in the incident. This event occurred just hours after Jordan’s air defence system intercepted and shot down five missiles launched by Iran.
US Military Makes a Major Statement
According to the US military, it has completed a significant wave of strikes against Iran. These operations were in retaliation for an earlier missile attack by Iran on a US base in Jordan. US Central Command stated in a social media post that the US had launched heavy strikes on dozens of targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The targets included military command centres, missile and drone facilities, as well as coastal surveillance and defence sites. Meanwhile, Jordan’s state news agency, Petra, citing a military spokesperson, reported that there were no casualties resulting from Jordan’s interception of the missiles.
Strong Ties Between Iran and China
China and Iran share excellent relations on the international stage. However, this major attack by Iran on a Chinese company’s building in Kuwait could now strain those ties. Diplomatically, China has condemned the attacks carried out by the US and Israel; it has advocated for a ceasefire while also supporting Iran’s sovereignty and security. Moreover, China has collaborated with Pakistan to propose peace initiatives and has also urged Iran to halt hostilities. China has sought to project itself as a force for regional peace while labelling the United States as a source of instability. Simultaneously, it has maintained a balanced approach with Gulf nations, given its significant economic interests in the region.
China Continues to Support Iran
It is worth noting that China has consistently stepped forward to assist Iran. According to the news agency Reuters, China is set to ship the first batch of shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers to Tehran within a few weeks.
In total, China plans to supply a consignment of 400 missiles to Iran. However, reports have recently emerged regarding an attack by Iran on a Chinese company in Kuwait. It remains to be seen how diplomatic relations between the two nations will fare following this incident.
