Trump Calls Reported Chinese Missile Sale to Iran ‘Very Surprising’
Published
President Donald Trump said a reported Chinese sale of shoulder-fired air-defense missiles to Iran would be ‘very surprising,’ reacting to accounts that Tehran expects deliveries within weeks. Sources familiar with the alleged deal said it covers 300 to 400 QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable systems valued at $60 million to $70 million. China’s Foreign Ministry called the report completely groundless and said Beijing supports ending the conflict. The reported procurement would strengthen Iran’s short-range defenses after U.S. and Israeli operations exposed gaps around military sites and strategic infrastructure.
Sources
Difference in reporting
Sources factually disagree on whether the missile deal exists: the Reuters reports carried by Business Recorder and Ajel say Iran expects 300 to 400 Chinese-made systems; China’s Foreign Ministry says the report is completely groundless. Israel National News reports that Trump called the reported sale ‘very surprising.’ The remaining facts are uniform: the report concerns Chinese shoulder-fired air-defense systems for Iran and prompted public responses from Beijing and Trump.
Commentary
Loading comments…