Iran and Russia have never really been friends. Just because they both don't like the US, doesn't mean they like each other. China and Iran aren't friends, but

Iran and Russia have never really been friends. Just because they both don't like the US, doesn't mean they like each other. China and Iran aren't friends, but of course China is willing to trade with them, and they might mine some lithium, but the refining would be done in China. No way will China give Iran what it needs for its own lithium industry. Maybe if Iran really pays for a lot for it, but even then, this would be a very long process.