China is set to deliver air defense systems to Iran, according to the USA.

American intelligence agencies have assessed that China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks, according to sources cited by CNN. These deliveries would include portable anti-aircraft missile systems, known as MANPADs. The information suggests that Beijing may direct shipments through land routes to conceal their origin. This move would be provocative, considering that China recently contributed to negotiating a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S. Additionally, President Donald Trump is set to visit China for discussions with President Xi Jinping.

Iran could use this opportunity to replenish its arms stockpile with the help of foreign partners. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has rejected the allegations, stating that Beijing has not supplied weapons to any party involved in the conflict and has called for the avoidance of unfounded accusations. These statements come in the context of planned negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, seeking solutions for the recent conflict.