Iranian officials have announced that they will ask for help from China and Russia if the Western sanctions regarding the power supply of Iran will not be lifted, but critics press that the country's "Plan B" might not be successful due to Russia and China's situation.

Iran is in talks with six countries, namely, the United States, China, Russia, and three more from the European Union. However, it is expected that the talks between these countries would fail to reach a deal with the U.S. and the EU by Monday in reference to the nuclear-related issues.

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The deadline has been extended last July and it might be extended again this time according to the Iranian officials.

A senior official from Iran said in a statement: "I cannot reveal more details but we have always had good relations with Russia and China. Naturally, if the nuclear talks fail, we will increase our cooperation with our friends and will provide them more opportunities in Iran's high-potential market."

The senior official added that they share common views with the two countries especially on issues regarding Syria and Iraq.

China's economy is slowing down while Russia is facing sanctions from the West due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists. Critics noted that Iran's threat might not be ideal as the two countries probably won't be able to help Iran with its problems.

China has been the biggest buyer of Iranian oil and is one of the few countries that still absorb large exports from the country while Russia has sold weapons from Iran as well as built a nuclear power station to provide technology.

However, although both countries have vetoing powers in the United Nations, if they extend their help to Iran, it still has limits. China has demanded for high discounts regarding the oil while Russia is suffering from its own sanctions that have greatly affected the economy of the country.

According to a senior Iran analyst from the International Crisis Group, Ali Vaez, China and Russia actually sided many times with the West to isolate Iran so it is doubtful that the Iranian economy would recover from the sanctions as well as the dropping oil prices.

If and when the nuclear talks will not be resolved completely and soon, China nor Russia will be able to help Iran as U.S. can take its unilateral steps that would expand the energy and financial sanctions on the economy of Iran.

TagsIran, Russia, Sanctions, European Union, nuclear talks