Iran has received Chinese surface-to-air missile systems to rebuild its air defenses following a 12-day conflict with Israel, Middle East Eye reported Tuesday.
The deliveries occurred after a June 24 ceasefire agreement, according to an Arab official familiar with the intelligence.
Another official, speaking anonymously, said Arab allies of the U.S. and the White House had been informed about Tehran’s reinforcement efforts. While the number of systems transferred was not disclosed, one source noted that Iran is paying with oil shipments. “The Iranians engage in creative ways of trading,” the official said.
China, Iran’s top oil buyer, reportedly imports up to 90% of Iran’s crude despite U.S. sanctions, often using transshipment through countries like Malaysia.
The missile shipments highlight growing military ties between China and Iran, even as Beijing appeared distant during Israel’s air campaign. Israel destroyed several Iranian military sites during the conflict, but Iran still launched retaliatory missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The White House did not comment by publication time.