Washington: A new intelligence assessment from the United States has raised concerns that China may be preparing to send weapons to Iran, a move that could increase tensions in an already fragile situation in the Middle East.
According to a report first cited by CNN and later carried by Reuters, US intelligence agencies believe China could supply shoulder fired anti aircraft missiles to Iran in the coming weeks. These weapons are designed to target aircraft and could strengthen Iran’s air defence systems.
The report also suggests that any shipment may be routed through third countries, making it harder to directly trace the origin of the weapons. However, there has been no official confirmation from the US government, China, or Iran regarding the claims.
The development comes at a sensitive time as Washington and Tehran are preparing for important peace talks expected to take place in Islamabad. The possibility of new weapons entering the conflict could complicate these efforts and reduce trust between the parties involved.
US officials have already expressed concern about any country providing military support to Iran. There are also warnings that such actions could lead to stronger economic measures and further strain relations between the United States and China.
China and Iran have maintained close ties for years, especially in trade and energy cooperation. While China has supported Iran diplomatically in the past, it has largely avoided direct military involvement. If the reported plan moves forward, it could mark a significant shift in that approach.
The situation remains unclear as governments have not officially responded to the report. However, the possibility of increased military support to Iran is being closely watched as it could have wider implications for regional stability and global relations.