China Arms Iran With 400 Air Defense Missiles – Report
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President Donald Trump has repeatedly described Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a close friend. But a reported weapons deal between Beijing and Tehran could create a serious new confrontation between the two leaders.
China Arms Iran with as many as 400 shoulder-fired air-defense systems as Tehran attempts to rebuild military capabilities damaged during its war with the United States and Israel, according to Reuters.
The reported deal would be worth between $60 million and $70 million. It covers 300 to 400 Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air-defense systems, commonly known as MANPADS. Iran is expected to receive the first shipment within weeks, three sources familiar with the agreement told Reuters.
China Arms Iran After Air Defense Losses
Iran’s fixed air-defense network has suffered extensive damage during months of American and Israeli airstrikes. The destruction has allowed U.S. aircraft to operate over Iranian territory while facing a greatly reduced threat from surface-to-air missiles.
Portable systems could make those missions more dangerous.
The infrared-guided QW-12 and FN-16 missiles are designed to engage drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft. They can be operated by small teams, moved rapidly and hidden more easily than large stationary missile batteries.
That mobility would make the systems harder for U.S. forces to locate and destroy. However, they would not fully restore Iran’s national air-defense network or eliminate America’s broader technological and aerial advantage.
The agreement was reportedly signed through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company acting as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier.
Initial shipments would reportedly leave Urumqi in western China and pass through Pakistan before reaching Iran. Pakistan’s military rejected the allegation, calling reports of its involvement false.
Beijing Denies Reported Missile Deal
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the report as “completely groundless.” Beijing said it has consistently worked to promote peace and end the conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment. The reported delivery schedule, final quantities and other details could still change despite the agreement having been signed, according to the Reuters sources.
The potential sale comes as Trump threatens to resume or expand attacks against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. The war has exposed Tehran’s vulnerability to advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons, forcing Iran to search for foreign suppliers as it attempts to replenish depleted defenses.
The missile deal may not be the only sign of closer military cooperation.
Reuters previously reported that Iran was nearing a separate agreement to purchase Chinese CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. The weapons have an estimated range of roughly 290 kilometers and could pose a greater threat to American naval forces operating near Iran. It remains unclear whether that agreement was completed.
If the latest deal proceeds, China would join Russia as a major power helping Tehran strengthen its wartime capabilities.
The development comes as the conflict continues to spread. On July 29, an unidentified drone struck the U.S.-owned gas-storage vessel Energos Winter at Egypt’s Damietta port. The resulting fire spread to the Gaslog Salem, although no injuries were reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
As China Arms Iran, Trump faces a worsening strategic problem: American attacks may continue destroying Iranian weapons, while Tehran’s powerful foreign partners help replace them.
