CNN: US intel says China preparing weapons shipment to Iran

US intelligence indicates that China is preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments, CNN reports.

The reported move would mark a significant escalation in military ties between Beijing and Tehran, and comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment following a fragile ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States earlier this week.

US President Donald Trump is also expected to visit China early next month for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The intelligence also suggests that Iran may be using the ceasefire period to replenish weapons systems with assistance from foreign partners.

Two of the sources said there are indications that Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to mask their origin.

The systems being prepared for transfer are shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADS, according to the sources, which were described as posing an asymmetric threat to low-flying US military aircraft during the recent five-week conflict and could do so again if the ceasefire collapses.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, saying: “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.”

The spokesperson added: “As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the U.S. side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev