Agreed they have vast reserves. But this is a tap one cannot turn on overnight. The Chinese and Russians could step in if they want to fight the headwind of US diplomacy. There are easier routes for the Chinese right now. The Russians would prefer they don’t ramp up at all. Competitors for them. The oil will start to gush after a change of gov’t. Meanwhile, in 5 years their revenues dry up.
The Russians want to keep the Iranian thorn in our side.
They’ll do as much propping us as needed to keep it there.
Should have been: "...propping up as needed..."