US Intelligence Reports China Seeking to Send Advanced Air Defense System to Iran

U.S. intelligence reports indicate that China is attempting to send an advanced air defense system to Iran in the coming weeks, CNN reported Thursday, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The shipment is to be routed secretly through a third country, the name of which has not been disclosed. The three informed sources told CNN that the movements suggest Tehran aims to take advantage of a current ceasefire to replenish its weapons stockpiles.

The reported transfer follows recent clashes between Iranian and U.S. forces, in which Iranian defense forces shot down several advanced U.S. warplanes. The incidents have heightened concerns in Washington and Jerusalem over Iran's military capabilities.

Multiple news outlets, including Reuters and the Economic Times, carried similar reports on Thursday attributing the information to CNN and U.S. intelligence assessments.