Iran-China Military Relations after the Nuclear Deal: Dimensions and Limitations

When Rouhani came to office, and, consequently, his success in reaching a nuclear deal with p5+1, Sino-Iranian military relations have entered a new phase. In this regard, since the late 1990s and 2000s, Iran's access to Chinese armaments has gradually diminished due to US pressure and UN sanctions in the form of the Security Council Resolutions; it is supposed that after the JCPOA, with the abolition of some UN sanctions, military relations between the two countries will improve. Considering China's impressive military capabilities and innovations, the importance of this strategic partner for Iran in military and related fields, will be of great importance. Therefore, the present article, while addressing the new dimensions of military ties and defense diplomacy between the two countries, argues that despite Iran's need to promote military relations with China in order to create a military balance in the region, but because of chin's political considerations in two regional and global dimensions, UNSCR 2231, as well as the role of the United States in this regard, the extent of the defense ties of the two countries in comparison with Russia, has become more sensitive and vulnerable, and will continue to face some limitations.