Iran to receive 300–400 Chinese MANPADS within weeks, China denies report

Iran is expected to receive a first shipment of 300–400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense systems (MANPADS), including QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, within weeks, according to three sources familiar with the deal cited by Reuters. The purchase, valued at $60–70 million, represents one of Tehran's largest-known efforts to strengthen short-range air defenses since the outbreak of fighting with the United States and Israel in late February 2026. The contract was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary company acting between Iranian and Chinese sides.

Deliveries are planned to begin by air from Urumqi in western China, then transit through Pakistan to Iran, though sources did not confirm whether transfers would continue by air or road. Western and Middle Eastern security sources indicated Iran had been seeking QW-12 and QW-18 systems, with European authorities aware of multiple MANPADS contracts under discussion. Military experts emphasize that portable air-defense systems are tactically valuable because they can be dispersed quickly, operated by small teams, and repositioned frequently, making them less vulnerable than fixed air-defense batteries.

China's Foreign Ministry rejected the report, calling it "completely groundless" and reiterating that Beijing "has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict." Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin stated he was "not familiar with the relevant situation." Pakistan's military public relations wing ISPR denied involvement, saying "speculations of Pakistan being involved in supply of Air Defence weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false." Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The reported transaction follows months of intensive military operations in which US and Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian missile, drone, and air-defense facilities; Iran responded with barrages of ballistic missiles and drones. A June 18 memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran established a 60-day ceasefire and initiated peace negotiations, but fighting resumed within weeks following mutual accusations of ceasefire violations. In late July, the US suspended bombardment temporarily, though President Donald Trump warned that strikes would resume if negotiations failed to end the five-month-old conflict.

Trump responded to reports of the Chinese MANPADS sale by expressing surprise, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had told him strongly that China would not participate on Iran's behalf. "Things like that happen, but that would be surprising. [Xi] told me very strongly he wouldn't partake, but he knows I'd be quite disappointed," Trump said on Wednesday. Sources cautioned that although the agreement had been signed, delivery schedules, quantities, and other implementation details could still change. Reuters previously reported that Iran was close to securing a separate agreement with China to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles, though confirmation of that deal could not be obtained.