Iran is reportedly proceeding with a significant purchase of hundreds of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missiles, according to Reuters. The deal, citing three sources familiar with the arrangement, involves between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, valued at between $60 million and $70 million.
The acquisition would mark one of Iran's largest efforts to rebuild its air defense network following months of coordinated U.S. And Israeli strikes that exposed vulnerabilities in its ability to protect military installations and strategic assets.
Trump has repeatedly cautioned China against supplying military equipment to Iran and has publicly stated that Xi assured him Beijing was not providing weapons to the regime. If completed, the transfer could raise questions about whether China followed through on those commitments.
China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the report. "The relevant reports are completely groundless," A ministry spokesperson said, adding that China has consistently worked to promote peace and end the conflict. Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
According to Reuters, the agreement was reportedly brokered through Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which sources described as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier. The first shipment is expected to include Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired missile systems, infrared-guided weapons designed to target helicopters, drones, and low-altitude aircraft.
Sources told Reuters the initial delivery could arrive within weeks, though both the timeline and final number of missiles remain subject to change. The shipment is expected to travel from western China through Pakistan before reaching Iran.
Pakistan's military rejected claims of involvement. Pakistan's military public relations office called reports that it would assist in transporting the weapons "absolutely concocted and false," According to Reuters.
Defense experts told Reuters that mobile shoulder-fired systems would strengthen Iranian defenses because they can be easily relocated and hidden, making them harder to eliminate than fixed installations. The missiles are intended to protect critical military bases, nuclear facilities, and other strategic sites damaged during recent conflict.
The reported purchase comes as the Trump administration attempts to revive negotiations with Tehran aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump has warned that if diplomacy fails, the United States is prepared to resume military action. The Chinese missile shipment could inject new tensions into those negotiations while intensifying Washington's concerns over Beijing's role in helping Iran rebuild military strength.