According to Dr. Hamed Vafaei, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran, China is emerging as the only major external power broadly viewed as a constructive stakeholder in West Asia’s security architecture. He argues that Beijing is well positioned to act as a balancing power and contribute to shaping a new regional order through engagement with Iran and other regional actors.
China Can Serve as a Strategic Balancer in West Asia
Vafaei maintains that China’s diplomatic engagement could strengthen regional stability following the recent Iran–Israel–U.S. confrontation, as multiple parties have shown openness to Beijing’s role in regional affairs.
Iran–U.S. Relations Require Either a Sustainable Agreement or a Clear Resolution
Commenting on the current state of Iran–U.S. relations, Vafaei argues that prolonged uncertainty between war and peace is unsustainable. He contends that lasting regional security depends on either a mutually acceptable diplomatic agreement or a decisive resolution to ongoing tensions.
