The commentary examines the recent 25-year China-Iran agreement, arguing that it is not, as had been claimed in various media sources, a 'game-changer' in the Gulf. Rather, the agreement establishes a road-map for bilateral cooperation that is similar to those between China and other actors in the region. The commentary argues that long-term cooperation is undermined by three macro elements: the lack of clear objectives and implementation mechanisms in the agreement itself; Iran's international situation; and China's relationship with the Gulf states.