
Iran War Weakens U.S. Grip in the China–Russia Great-Power Contest
The Conversation argues that the 2026 Iran conflict has weakened the U.S. position in the ongoing great-power rivalry with China and Russia by (1) diminishing American influence in the Middle East, (2) pulling Washington away from other strategic goals, (3) creating energy-market dynamics and sanctions relief that benefit Moscow and Beijing, and (4) eroding the U.S. credibility as a global mediator—while China steps up as a regional broker and leader and Russia gains from higher oil prices and a distracted United States.






