# Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea strategic alignment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-china-iran-and-north-korea-strategic-alignment > Updated: 2026-08-27T12:00:11.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Russia, China, and Iran have begun coordinating a new phase of Eurasian integration through the ‘RIC triangle’. Utilizing their memberships in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, these nations are working to establish a new international order by targeting key economic and maritime sectors. Efforts include leveraging Iran’s influence in the Strait of Hormuz, challenging the SWIFT system, and promoting the A7 international payment system to bypass U.S., UK, and EU sanctions and undermine petrodollar dominance. This strategic alignment has expanded to include North Korea, forming a network of partnerships focused on 21st-century warfare and strategic competition. While not a formal alliance, these nations engage in the exchange of weapons, targeting data, production expertise, and methods for evading international sanctions. China provides central diplomatic, economic, and financial support, while Russia relies on these partners to sustain military efforts and mitigate the impact of international condemnation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea deepen strategic cooperation China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are strengthening strategic cooperation, exchanging military technology and data to bypass sanctions and challenge Western influence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-russia-iran-and-north-korea-deepen-strategic-cooperation ### 2026-08-17: Russia, Iran, and China coordinate Eurasian integration Russia, Iran, and China are coordinating Eurasian integration to challenge the current international order, targeting the petrodollar, the SWIFT system, and maritime control in the Strait of Hormuz. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-iran-and-china-coordinate-eurasian-integration --- Cite as: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea strategic alignment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-china-iran-and-north-korea-strategic-alignment