Foreign Relations

Trump Calls Reported Chinese Missile Sale to Iran ‘Very Surprising’

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of the Chinese and Iranian flags flying side by side before traditional Chinese architecture and security cameras

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.

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