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The Nuclear Programs of Russia China North Korea and Iran

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This report analyzes nuclear weapons programs in Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, including nuclear command and control, R&D, funding, staffing, testing.

The Nuclear Programs of Russia China North Korea and Iran The Nuclear Programs of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran This report analyzes nuclear weapons programs in Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, including nuclear command and control, R&D, funding, staffing, testing. In accordance with section 1634 of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Deputy Assistant ... , and Iran. In accordance with NDAA requirements, this report covers the following topics as they pertain to each country’s nuclear program: the factors that drive the country’s nuclear program

Russia and China Respond—or Don’t—to the 12-Day War in Iran

/our-media/indepth/2025/07/russia-and-china-respond-to-the-12-day-war-in-iran

Despite the strategic partnerships both Russia and China have with Iran, they’ve supported Tehran with words since the Israel and US attacks, but little else.

Russia and China Respond to the 12-Day War in Iran Despite the strategic partnerships both Russia and China have with Iran, they’ve supported Tehran with words since the Israel and US attacks, but little else. /images/InDepth/2022/10/Post115%20redone2.jpg Russia and China Respond to the 12-Day War in Iran Russia and China Respond—or Don’t—to the 12-Day War in Iran Elizabeth Wishnick and Julian G ... . The Israel-Iran war that broke out on June 13 and US strikes on suspected Iranian nuclear sites on June 21 provide an opportunity to examine how Russia and China respond to a military crisis in Iran. Six

War in Iran Tests the Limits of the “No-Limits Partnership” Between China and Russia

/our-media/indepth/2026/03/war-in-iran-tests-the-china-russia-partnership

War in Iran largely benefits Russia but has negative consequences for China, exposing differences in their interests and agendas that limit their partnership.

War in Iran Tests the China-Russia Partnership War in Iran largely benefits Russia but has negative consequences for China, exposing differences in their interests and agendas that limit their partnership. /images/InDepth/2026/03/Putin%20Xi%202025.webp War in Iran Tests the China-Russia “No-Limits Partnership” War in Iran Tests the Limits of the “No-Limits Partnership” Between China and Russia /images/InDepth/2026/03/Putin-Xi-2025-metaimage.jpg Elizabeth Wishnick Elizabeth Wishnick is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA's China Studies Program . Is war in Iran bringing China

China Iran Relations Closer Look

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Since diplomatic ties between China and Iran were established in 1971, the two countries have developed complex political, economic, and military relations. China has provided much-needed trade and investment to Iran, and as Iran has become increasingly isolated, China has gradually become the dominant external player in Iran’s economy. Chinese companies have played a particularly important role in developing Iran’s energy sector through oil purchases and major investments in resource extraction and infrastructure. Though China rarely trumpets its relationship with Iran, it maintains strong political ties with Tehran, and since the 1980s it has helped strengthen the country’s military with arms sales and military exchanges.

China Iran Relations Closer Look A Closer Look at China-Iran Relations: Roundtable Report Since diplomatic ties between China and Iran were established in 1971, the two countries have developed complex political, economic, and military relations. China has provided much-needed trade and investment to Iran, and as Iran has become increasingly isolated, China has gradually become the dominant external player in Iran’s economy. Chinese companies have played a particularly important role in developing Iran’s energy sector through oil purchases and major investments in resource extraction

Michael Connell

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Michael Connell is a Middle East and Russia specialist at CNA. His primary area of expertise is Iran’s armed forces.

Connell-Michael Michael Connell is a Middle East and Russia specialist at CNA. His primary area of expertise is Iran’s armed forces. /images/Experts/Connell-Michael.jpg Mike Connell is an expert in the armed forces of Iran and Russia. He has authored multiple studies and papers on Iranian and Russian warfighting doctrine, strategy, capabilities, and decision-making; US security cooperation and capacity building efforts with partners and allies; strategic messaging; and the US military’s role in strategic competition. He directs projects spanning multiple disciplines and CNA divisions

Iranian Action in Syria

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On April 18, 2019, CNA hosted a National Security Seminar to examine Iranian military operations and influence activities in Syria and to discuss the potential ramifications of these actions for the United States and its regional allies. The event convened a panel of subject matter experts from the diplomatic, defense, and academic communities and featured an active audience of US government members. As the US prepares to downsize its Syrian presence to a cohort of 400 troops, Iran is redoubling its commitment to become a long-term power broker in Syria. Seminar participants reviewed how Iran has skillfully exploited the conflict in Syria, deploying hybrid warfare—including military action, influence operations, and diplomatic networking—to insinuate itself into local politics. The following summary highlights the key points of the discussion, with particular attention paid to the challenges and opportunities that Iran’s presence in Syria could pose for the US over the long term.

of 400 troops, Iran is redoubling its commitment to become a long-term power broker in Syria. Seminar participants reviewed how Iran has skillfully exploited the conflict in Syria, deploying hybrid ... , with particular attention paid to the challenges and opportunities that Iran’s presence in Syria could pose for the US over the long term. On April 18, 2019, CNA hosted a National Security Seminar to examine ... of 400 troops, Iran is redoubling its commitment to become a longterm power broker in Syria. Seminar participants reviewed how Iran has skillfully exploited the conflict in Syria, deploying hybrid warfare

coming in from the cold: The Last Shah of Iran

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Dr. Afshon Ostovar Associate Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School and CNA’s Mike Connell join Bill to discuss the rise and fall of the Shah of Iran.

24 Dr. Afshon Ostovar Associate Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School and CNA’s Mike Connell join Bill to discuss the rise and fall of the Shah of Iran. The Last Shah of Iran Dr. Afshon Ostovar is an Associate Professor of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a Robert A. Fox Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Michael Connell   is an expert in Persian-Gulf security-related issues, the armed forces of Iran, U.S.-GCC security cooperation, and adversary cyber policy and strategy. He has served as CNA's Field Analyst to Naval Forces

cna talks: Iran’s Stability in the Aftermath of the Grand Bazaar Protests

/our-media/podcasts/cna-talks/2026/02/irans-stability-in-the-aftermath-of-the-grand-bazaar-protests

This episode covers the most recent wave of protests in Iran, what they mean for the government’s stability, and how US regional allies are responding.

Iran’s Stability in the Aftermath of the Grand Bazaar Protests. This episode covers the most recent wave of protests in Iran, what they mean for the government’s stability, and how US regional allies are responding. /images/podcasts/CNA-Talks.webp Iran’s Stability in the Aftermath of the Grand Bazaar Protests Guest Biographies Michael Connell is an expert in Persian-Gulf security-related issues, the armed forces of Iran, U.S.-GCC security cooperation, and adversary cyber policy and strategy. He has served as CNA's Field Analyst to Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Further

cna talks: How Stable is Iran?

/our-media/podcasts/cna-talks/2025/07/how-stable-is-iran

This episode covers the stability of Islamic Republic of Iran in the aftermath of the 12 Day War, and how the regime will adapt to its new reality.

How Stable is Iran? This episode covers the stability of Islamic Republic of Iran in the aftermath of the 12 Day War, and how the regime will adapt to its new reality. How Stable is Iran? Guest Biographies Michael Connell is an expert in Persian-Gulf security-related issues, the armed forces of Iran, U.S.-GCC security cooperation, and adversary cyber policy and strategy. He has served ... from 2001-2004. Further Reading CNA Report:   The Nuclear Programs of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran CNA Report:   The Evolving Russia-Iran Relationship CNA InDepth:   Russia

cna talks: Who is Iran’s New Supreme Leader?

/our-media/podcasts/cna-talks/2026/03/who-is-irans-new-supreme-leader

Iran has a new Supreme Leader for the first time in almost 37 years, Mojtaba Khamenei. This episode explores his background, education, and ideology.

Who is Iran’s New Supreme Leader? Iran has a new Supreme Leader for the first time in almost 37 years, Mojtaba Khamenei. This episode explores his background, education, and ideology. /images/podcasts/CNA-Talks.webp Who is Iran’s New Supreme Leader? Guest Biographies Michael Connell is an expert in Persian-Gulf security-related issues, the armed forces of Iran, U.S.-GCC security cooperation, and adversary cyber policy and strategy. He has served as CNA's Field Analyst to Naval Forces Central Command. Further Reading CNA Talks:   Iran’s Stability in the Aftermath of the Grand