Iran has received surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence systems from China in exchange for oil, according to several intelligence sources reported by Middle East Eye (MEE). These weapons are meant to help Iran rebuild its air defence systems that were damaged during the recent 12-day war with Israel.
Chinese Missiles Sent After Ceasefire
An Arab official with direct knowledge of the matter said that the Chinese missile systems were sent just after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24.
Another Arab official, who also wanted to stay anonymous, confirmed that the U.S. and its Arab allies are aware of Iran’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its air defences. The White House has also been informed about this development.
How Many Missiles Iran Got Is Still Unknown
The exact number of SAM systems Iran received has not been confirmed. However, one of the officials said Iran paid for the missile systems with crude oil.
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China Is Iran’s Biggest Oil Buyer
Despite U.S. sanctions, China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil. A report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) published in May stated that around 90% of Iran’s oil exports now go to China. To hide the source, Iran often uses countries like Malaysia as transit hubs.
One official commented, “The Iranians are very creative in how they do trade.”
Growing China-Iran Ties
This missile transfer shows that China and Iran are becoming closer, especially after China and Russia appeared to stay somewhat distant during Israel’s intense attacks on Iran.
During that conflict, Israel successfully targeted and destroyed key missile launch sites inside Iran and also killed several generals and scientists. Still, Iran kept firing ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which struck important locations in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
China Has Supplied Iran Before
Back in the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq war, China provided HY-2 “Silkworm” cruise missiles to Iran through North Korea. Iran used those missiles to attack Kuwait and even a U.S. oil tanker.
In 2010, reports suggested that China had given Iran the HQ-9 air defence system. Today, Iran’s air defence includes Russia’s S-300 system, which can defend against jets, drones, and some missiles.
Iran also uses its own systems like Khordad and Bavar-373, but experts say these systems may struggle against advanced fighter jets like the U.S.-made F-35, which Israel uses.
China Exporting the Same Missiles to Others
China currently exports the HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems to countries like Pakistan, and possibly Egypt.
High-Level Talks Coming
Given these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to meet next Monday to discuss Iran and its nuclear program.
The White House did not respond to MEE’s request for comment before the story was published.
Source: Ntv
