Iran maintains longstanding relationships with a group of allied movements and militias often referred to as the Axis of Resistance.
This informal network includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and other Iran-aligned militias across the Levant and Iraq. These groups have engaged in hostilities against Israel in recent escalations and have expressed solidarity with Tehran’s stance.
Both Russia and China have publicly criticised the US–Israel strikes on Iran. At the United Nations, Russia described the action as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression,” while China called for de-escalation, respect for national sovereignty, and a return to diplomacy.
These statements stop short of military support but signal political backing for Iran’s position against Western military action.
A broad coalition of nations in the Global South — including South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cuba and Pakistan — have condemned the US–Israel military action against Tehran as unlawful and destabilising. These countries emphasise adherence to international law and diplomatic resolution rather than military escalation.
