Reports suggest China may supply MANPADS to Iran

Three sources with knowledge of recent U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that China may be preparing to supply Iran with portable air defense systems, known as MANPADS, within the coming weeks. The intelligence suggests that Beijing might route these shipments through third-party countries to conceal their origin. This development follows a recent, fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States. U.S. officials link such systems to the downing of an F-15 fighter jet over Iran last week. While former President Donald Trump stated the aircraft was hit by a heat-seeking missile, Tehran claimed it utilized a new air defense system without providing specific technical details. It remains unconfirmed whether the technology involved in the F-15 incident was of Chinese origin. The Chinese embassy in Washington has categorically denied the allegations. The potential transfer occurs ahead of a planned visit by Donald Trump to China to meet with President Xi Jinping.