Reuters reports on a deal for Chinese air defense systems to Iran; Beijing denies - Sarmad
Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Iran will receive within weeks the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense systems, as part of its efforts to rebuild its defenses amid the war with the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the accuracy of the information, asserting that it is “completely baseless,” and emphasized that China has “consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending conflict.”
The deal, valued at between $60 million and $70 million, is one of the largest known efforts by Tehran to bolster its short-range air defenses since the outbreak of its war with the United States and Israel, which exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure.
The sources added that the contract includes the purchase of between 300 and 400 portable air defense systems, including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company, which the sources said acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.
The sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated: “The relevant reports are completely baseless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending conflict.”
Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the Beijing-based parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not respond to an email request for comment on Tuesday.
Iran needs to rearm after months of fighting, during which the United States and Israel struck facilities linked to its missile, drone, and air defense programs. Tehran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Gulf region countries.
This conflict has highlighted the challenge of defending fixed military and strategic sites against advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons.
