Iran is set to receive a first shipment of 300 to 400 Chinese-made air defense missile systems in the coming weeks. According to Reuters report on Wednesday, Tehran and Beijing are currently examining various overland routes to transport the military equipment discreetly and reduce the chance of interception.
DEFENSE AND DIPLOMACY
The China-Iran Connection: Tehran Expected to Receive Missile Launchers Amid Renewed Strikes
Iran is set to receive hundreds of Chinese shoulder-fired air defense missiles in the coming weeks to bolster its short-range capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The reported $70 million deal relies on covert overland transport routes, though Beijing has officially denied the claims despite past U.S. warnings
Secret Overland Routes
The full deal is valued between $60 million and $70 million as Iran works to reinforce its short-range defenses against potential conflict. However, China's Foreign Ministry denied the reports on Reuters, labeling It "completely baseless".
Trump Warns Beijing
The reported arrangement comes despite statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged not to send weapons or military gear to Iran.
Trump stated last week that he believes neither China nor Russia is involved in the regional conflict, adding that such involvement would run counter to their interests.
