Welcome to the World in 10.
In an increasingly uncertain world, this is The Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security.
Today with me, Stuart Willey with Alex Dibble.
Donald Trump has, according to reports, approved plans to join Israel in hitting Iran,
but is said to be waiting to see whether Tehran will give up its nuclear program before making a final decision.
As Israel says it's intensifying strikes on Iran,
some think a US attack on Fordow, an underground uranium enrichment facility, could be imminent.
But as Israel enjoys the heavy backing of the United States in this conflict,
Iran is seemingly friendless as its allies refuse to come to its aid.
Why?
Our guest today can answer that question.
Christopher Chivas is the director of the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Chris, we often think of China, Russia and North Korea as being Iran's closest allies.
Sometimes we even talk about the axis of upheaval.
But if we talk about...
Russia first.
It's been notable for standing aside as Israel attacks.
Why is that?
Well, I've been a skeptic of how close the relationship between Russia and Iran has actually been.
I think it's been portrayed as much tighter than it actually is.