IDU Resolution on China’s Support for Iran and its Implications

Endorsed by Fatmir Mediu MP, Chair of the Albanian Republican Party, and Rihard Kols MEP, IDU Member of the Board of the Latvian National Alliance, IDU Executive Meeting, Zagreb, May 1st, 2026.

Recalling that stability in the Middle East remains a fundamental pillar of Euro-Atlantic security, and that Iran’s destabilizing actions have direct regional and global consequences;

Recognizing that Iran’s military activities, including support for proxy networks and attacks against Israel threaten Allied security interests, global energy flows, and freedom of navigation;

Underlining the increasing strategic challenge posed by China to transatlantic security through economic coercion, technological expansion, and support for authoritarian actors;

Noting with deep concern China’s role in sustaining Iran’s economic and military resilience, enabling the regime to continue activities that undermine regional and European security;

Highlighting that China facilitates evasion of sanctions through complex supply chains and provides dual-use technologies, including drone components, satellite capabilities, and navigation systems, alongside coordinated disinformation efforts;

Further noting that China’s continued purchase of sanctioned Iranian oil provides Tehran with critical financial resources, weakening the effectiveness of international sanctions regimes;

Acknowledging that while China is not formally allied with Iran, its strategic partnership significantly strengthens Iran’s capacity to sustain military operations and internal repression;

Concerned that prolonged instability risks disrupting global trade, weakening energy security, diverting Allied strategic focus, and strengthening authoritarian coordination across regions

The International Democracy Union therefore resolves:

1. To call on Allied governments to enhance coordination in addressing the strategic implications of China’s support to Iran;
2. To strengthen sanctions enforcement mechanisms targeting entities and networks facilitating the transfer of dual-use technologies and financial flows;
3. To develop coordinated NATO–EU frameworks to counter foreign information manipulation and protect critical infrastructure;
4. To support targeted restrictive measures, including asset freezes, travel bans, and export controls against actors enabling authoritarian regimes;
5. To increase scrutiny of foreign investments and supply chains that may contribute to the military capabilities of hostile actors;
6. To support a durable de-escalation conditioned on Iran’s verifiable dismantling of proxy networks, respect for international maritime security, and cessation of military escalation;
7. To reaffirm that transatlantic unity remains the most effective response to authoritarian coordination, and that strategic coherence among Allies is essential to counter emerging global threats.

Adopted with the abstentions of the Austrian People’s Party and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).