Day 630 - Israel-Iran war's aftershocks for Russia and China

7 snips

Jun 27, 2025

Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent with expertise in Middle Eastern geopolitics, dives into the aftershocks of the recent Israel-Iran war. He discusses how the conflict reshapes relationships among Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Berman highlights China's efforts to build alternative coalitions at a regional security meeting and analyzes Russia’s cautious stance amidst its military shortcomings against Israel. He also touches on Turkey's response to the conflict and the shifting dynamics as Iranian refugees seek safety across its borders.

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ANECDOTE

Shelter Vibes Matter

Lazar Berman shared that during the war he preferred a local community shelter over the building's one due to better facilities and vibes.
Being in a shelter with positive vibes is important during missile attacks for mental comfort.

INSIGHT

China's Dual Middle East Interest

China aims to undermine the US-led global order by building alternative blocs with Russia and Iran.
It benefits when the US is distracted in the Middle East, but wants regional stability for its energy supply.

INSIGHT

Israel Outperforms Russian Military

Israel's military is far more capable than Russia's in the Middle East, successfully evading advanced Russian military technology.
Russian military underperformed in Ukraine, showing its power is weaker than commonly perceived.

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Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.

We're still sifting through the facts and figuring out the results of the 12-day Israel-Iran war. But after every earthquake, there are aftershocks. Today, we’ll look at how this war has far-reaching effects on countries such as Russia, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

We begin the program by looking at China, which is hosting a gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a China- and Russia-led regional security grouping. In attendance is Iran’s defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh. The conference is an attempt to build alternative international blocs to those backed by the United States, according to reporting on CNN. So, how does China fit in with the 12-day war?

Our next stop is Russia. The world learned again that Russian military tech is no match for a first-class air force like the IDF after it failed to repel the Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Berman weighs in on Russia's nuanced approach to the Israel-Iran war and its cautious moves to not upset the Trump administration.

Reports of Iranians fleeing to bordering Turkey during the conflict were unsurprising, said Berman, since the NATO nation is a gateway to Europe. We hear how Turkey responded to the war.

Looking towards Saudi Arabia, US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reiterated Wednesday his belief that additional countries will join the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Muslim nations. We learn what would have to happen for this to occur and how there may be a softening on Israel's part following the recent conflict with Iran.

Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: (L-R) India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defense Minister Dauren Kossanov, China's Defense Minister Dong Jun, Kyrgyzstan's Defense Minister Ruslan Mukambetov, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov gather for a group photo during the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP)

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