Looking eastward does not mean that China and Iran intend to join forces against the United States. While they do share opposition to hegemony and abuse of power, they are currently more focused on tapping and enhancing economic cooperation.

China has its own reasons for strategic cooperation with Iran, and undermining the United States is not one of them. It is true, however, that Iran wants the U.S. to lift all sanctions, and the U.S. has signaled that it may be ready to concede.

The news of an agreement struck between two of America’s adversaries made waves and raised the alarm for a potential showdown, but the potential for military coordination isn’t the main focus of the agreement.

U.S. return to the Iran nuclear deal could be difficult. Much has changed in the world in the past four years, including the recent assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist. China’s help may be needed more than ever.

President Donald Trump’s authorization of a drone strike that assassinated Iranian General Qassem Suleimani is the icing on the cake for his record of erratic and unpredictable foreign policy. More importantly, it has opened the door for China and Russia to gain military, economic, and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.

The death of Qassim Suleimani highlights the growing divide between the US and the Middle East at large, a divide which may create an opportunity for China to strengthen regional ties.

In the wake of rising U.S.-Iranian tension, there seems to be no clear path forward – and no clear winner. China stands to pluck the fruit of possible conflict in the region.

Starting in May, the White House hopes to extinguish Iran’s oil exports. However, any destabilization may prove counter-productive and cause long-term damage to the United States, the region, and global prospects.

China's Xi Jinping commits to close ties with Iran.

Fundamentally, Chinese leaders seek to change Iran’s behavior, but not its regime. PRC policy makers want Iranian oil, but they are cautious about irritating more important commercial partners, especially the United States; when defending Tehran, Beijing strives to avoid confronting Washington directly.