Russia, Iran, China and N. Korea Bond is "Global Problem", Says Trump Envoy

By Amir Daftari

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia has warned that the growing alliance between Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea represents a global security threat.

Speaking at a seminar on Ukraine hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, Keith Kellogg said this geopolitical shift did not exist during Trump's first term and could have serious consequences for international stability. "This is a global problem. And we need to approach this appropriately." Kellogg warned.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The growing alliance between Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea marks a major shift in global power, challenging U.S. security interests. Russia's deepening ties with North Korea raise U.S. concerns over Ukraine and on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, Moscow's proposal for nuclear talks with the United States suggests a shift in Washington's approach to Tehran, raising questions about future alliances and diplomatic strategies.

What To Know

Kellogg emphasized that the current geopolitical landscape is vastly different from four years ago, stating, "This is a brand new arrangement ... we were not confronted with this four years ago." He described how these U.S. adversaries, once operating separately, are now coordinating more closely.

"Four years ago, the North Koreans were over here. The Iranians were over here. The Russians, you know, were over here, working that (the Ukraine) issue, and then the Chinese were over here. Well, now they're all together," he said.

Iran, Russia Ties

In January, Moscow and Tehran signed a 20-year "strategic partnership" treaty, covering areas ranging from defence and technology to energy and trade. Iran's military support for Russia, including the supply of drones for use in Ukraine, has further deepened their cooperation. With both nations facing heavy U.S. sanctions, their partnership has strengthened, affecting the balance of power in Eastern Europe and beyond.

Russia has also suggested direct nuclear discussions with Washington. This development, reported by Bloomberg, highlights a possible realignment where Moscow assists the U.S. in addressing Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

North Korea and China's Role

North Korea and China's positioning with Russia signals a broader geopolitical shift. Beijing has deepened ties with Moscow, while Pyongyang's new defense pact with Russia raises U.S. concerns over their military cooperation.

Kellogg said that if conflict erupts on the Korean Peninsula, Russian forces could become involved, escalating tensions where 20,000 U.S. troops are stationed.

China's growing partnership with Russia and Iran also strengthens their joint opposition to U.S. influence, complicating Washington's efforts to manage global security threats.

What People Are Saying

Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to Ukraine, stated: "It's a brand-new arrangement. And so what President Trump did before is he kept them all segmented. It's sort of like a game of Whack-a-Mole, that every time a mole would come up you whack it down. Well, all the moles came up. And now we've got to figure, OK, how do we deal with this?"

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The Russian position is that this issue (Iran's nuclear dossier) should be resolved exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means."

What Happens Next

The potential for U.S.-Russia cooperation on Iran's nuclear program could alter existing diplomatic ties, while the growing unity among Washington's adversaries may require a reassessment of American foreign policy strategies.