According to sources familiar with the matter that spoke to CNN, US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver a new advanced air defense system to Iran in the coming weeks. This potential military assistance comes following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran and just before President Trump’s visit to Beijing, drawing significant attention from the international community.
Three informants told CNN that Beijing plans to transfer these supplies through a third country to mask their true origin. The batch of military equipment is said to be shoulder-launched air defense missile systems, known as MANPADS, which pose a serious “asymmetric threat” to low-flying American warplanes during the five-week conflict.
Two of the sources informed CNN that there are indications showing that the Beijing authorities are trying to transfer these goods through a third country to conceal the true source of the weapons.
On Monday, President Trump mentioned during a press conference that the F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iranian airspace was hit by a “shoulder-fired missile.”
Iran subsequently claimed to have used a “new” air defense system, but it is currently unclear if this system is of Chinese origin.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington vehemently denied these reports, stating, “China has never provided weapons to either side of the conflict; the related information is not true.”
These intelligence reports suggest that Iran may be replenishing certain weapon systems with the assistance of foreign partners during the ceasefire period.
Informants revealed that the system Beijing is preparing to transfer is a shoulder-fired air defense missile system commonly known as MANPADs.
The Epoch Times could not independently verify the accuracy of the above information.
Meanwhile, high-level negotiations between the US and Iran are commencing in Islamabad, Pakistan. US Vice President Vance has led a delegation to engage in talks with Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf aimed at ending the war.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the discussions as the “make-or-break” point for transitioning from a temporary ceasefire to a long-term agreement.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. Vance issued a stern warning to Iran not to “play games” with the US before departure. Qalibaf also stated that discussions will only take place if there is a ceasefire in Lebanon by Israel and the release of frozen Iranian assets by the US.
The Middle East conflict has caused the largest surge in US domestic inflation data in four years and significant fluctuations in international oil prices. All eyes are now on the high-level dialogue in Islamabad to see if it can bring lasting peace to the region.