WASHINGTON: Russia and China, rather than the United States, could emerge as the main beneficiaries of the ongoing US-Israeli military operation against Iran, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The newspaper noted that disruptions in global oil supplies due to tensions with Iran are benefiting Russia economically. It also suggested that potential reductions in US aid to Ukraine could further advantage Moscow, while the crisis in the Middle East is diverting Washington’s attention away from China.
According to the report, the US administration launched military action against Iran despite the absence of an immediate threat to the United States. The newspaper also pointed out that the US national debt, which is approaching $39 trillion, could make prolonged military operations more difficult and weaken Washington’s ability to compete with major rivals such as Russia and China.
The publication added that Russia began benefiting from the conflict almost immediately as global oil prices surged, exceeding $100 per barrel on March 8. In response to rising prices, US President Donald Trump was reportedly forced to announce an easing of sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil.
The report further stated that US ammunition stockpiles are being rapidly depleted due to the conflict, and replenishing them will take time. At the same time, the growing focus on the Middle East is diverting US political and military attention from the increasing economic and strategic challenge posed by China.
The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, targeting several major Iranian cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the strikes by citing alleged missile and nuclear threats from Iran.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets. US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were also reportedly attacked. During the initial wave of strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials were killed.
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