The head of the National Defense University remarked during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador in Tehran

Major General Dr. Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam, head of the SNDU stated on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, during a meeting with Mr. Kong Peevy, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China: "The good relations between Iran and China have faced some fluctuations at times, but overall, there has been a stable and positive relationship between the two countries in both economic and military fields in recent years, which is developing, and we are working to strengthen these relations."

He added: "What is important is that we share both common interests and common enemies. Our most significant enemy, with which China is also currently engaged, is the United States. By imposing heavy tariffs, it has initiated an economic war against China and 180 other countries. I believe this confrontation was inevitable, as the Americans are experiencing economic and infrastructural decline and cannot simply observe this downfall. Naturally, the military and economic capabilities of the U.S. have changed compared to 20 to 30 years ago, and it cannot fight on multiple fronts."

General Ahmadi Moghaddam added: "During the Biden administration, the U.S. entered into conflict with Russia, but during the Trump era, it sought to stabilize its front with Russia while focusing more on confronting China. In the Middle East, the Israeli regime is also trying to create problems in the region to engage the U.S."

The head of the National Defense University added: "Institutions like the National Defense University and similar centers in China should clarify these opportunities. We in the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready for any scientific and research collaboration and to deepen relations in other dimensions with China."

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, while thanking the head of the National Defense University for his remarks, stated: "The imposition of tariffs on goods from China, Iran, and 180 other countries does not indicate the power of the United States; rather, it reflects its weakness. China condemns these tariff increases and has taken retaliatory measures. These actions by China to counter the U.S. not only benefit China but also serve the interests of other countries and contribute to the international economic order."

The Chinese Ambassador, referring to the strong political, economic, and military relations between the two countries, expressed: "It has been nearly nine years since our President visited your country in 2016 and signed the 25-year strategic agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran."

"We have gained valuable experiences in this regard, with the most significant being the increased political trust between the two countries, which should continue to grow. I am very pleased that, with the commitment of the leaders of both Iran and China, strategic trust between our two countries is on the rise."

In another part of his speech regarding the decline of the United States, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China stated: "The U.S. is moving closer to decline, and we should not be afraid. We must confront the U.S., and one way to do this is by developing relations between Iran and China, which should improve every day."

He continued: "It does not matter which party holds power in the U.S. The main objectives of America are clear, but their actions to achieve those goals differ. Trump likes to negotiate because he is a businessman; however, these negotiations are not genuine, as a true deal should be based on mutual interests, which is usually not the case with American transactions. Iran has both extensive experience and a strong will in confronting the U.S. Therefore, Iran and China can manage the situation together through cooperation."

Mr. Kong pointed out that the cultural commonalities and deep relations between the two countries indicate that Iran's accession to Shanghai and BRICS can create opportunities for further cooperation. He emphasized that Iran has demonstrated itself as an active member in both organizations.