China to Supply Iran with 400 Advanced Missiles? Pakistan Denies Role Amid Reports
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BEIJING/ISLAMABAD (Terror Monitor/Reuters) — Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) in the coming weeks, according to three sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters.
The sources said the deal, valued at $60–70 million, represents one of Iran's largest known efforts to strengthen its short-range air defenses since the outbreak of its conflict with the United States and Israel.
Under the reported agreement, Iran would acquire 300 to 400 MANPADS, including China's QW-12 and FN-16 air defense missile systems. The sources said the deal was arranged through Zhong Qing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that allegedly acted as an intermediary between the Iranian buyer and the Chinese supplier.
However, China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the report, calling it "completely groundless" and saying Beijing remains committed to promoting peace and helping resolve regional conflicts.
The parent company of Zhong Qing Baoshang International Investment also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to the Reuters sources, the first shipment was planned to depart by air from Urumqi in western China before reaching Iran via Pakistan. The sources did not specify whether the final leg of the journey would be by air or land.
Pakistan's military media wing, ISPR, strongly rejected the claim, describing reports of Pakistan's involvement in transferring Chinese air defense weapons to Iran as "completely fabricated and baseless."
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the report.
The reported procurement comes as Iran seeks to rebuild its military capabilities following months of conflict in which U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian missile, drone, and air defense infrastructure, while Tehran responded with large-scale ballistic missile and drone attacks.
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