Iran Purchases Chinese Missile Launchers Amid U.S. Warnings

Iran reportedly purchased 300 to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers, valued between $60 million and $70 million, to rebuild its military following months of war. The transaction coincides with reports that China may have provided Iran with intelligence on American bases in the Middle East.

Donald Trump stated that President Xi Jinping had previously promised not to get involved in the conflict, describing the reported move as surprising and disappointing. While China's foreign ministry denied the reports, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker warned that the United States has military and economic ways to address continued Chinese interference.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress that both China and Russia have been enabling Iran's actions, although the specific methods remain classified. These developments occur ahead of President Xi's expected visit to the United States in late September.