Key Points:

• The increasing economic, defence and security cooperation between China, Iran and Russia is being perceived by the West and its allies as a concerning development.
• Amidst converging interests, the three states share several mutual security concerns, such as counterterrorism, maritime security, and Iran’s nuclear program.
• Despite key similarities, including an authoritarian approach at home, fissures exist within these partnerships at the bilateral levels.
• There is potential for cooperation and conflict between China, Iran, and Russia regarding security, energy, political, and diplomatic alignment.