US military intelligence has concluded that China is considering supplying Iran with advanced radar systems that would improve its air defense capabilities, CBS News reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter.
According to the officials, China is considering supplying Iran with X-band radar systems. Such technology would significantly improve Iran's ability to detect and track low-flying drones and cruise missiles, and would also help protect its air defenses from advanced strikes.
It is unclear whether China has made the transfer, but officials say the intelligence findings confirm Washington's concerns. According to CBS, they show that the war with Iran involves not only regional adversaries, but also global competitors, ready to provide critical support without direct military intervention.
Earlier, the Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents, reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used a reconnaissance satellite secretly acquired from the Chinese company Earth Eye Co. to strike American bases in the Middle East. Two American officials confirmed to CBS that Tehran had previously received satellite images from China, but did not specify which company.
According to two officials, American intelligence also believes that Beijing is considering transferring air defense systems to Tehran, possibly through third parties, CBS reports. Last week, CNN reported that China was preparing to supply Iran with man-portable air defense systems.
US President Donald Trump earlier said that China had assured him that it would not supply weapons to Iran after he personally asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping not to do so.
Previously, Trump said that China would have "big problems" if it decided to supply weapons to Iran. He threatened Beijing with an additional 50% tariff if the US caught it supplying weapons to the Islamic Republic. Beijing has denied reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is using a Chinese satellite.
On May 14 and 15, the US president plans to meet with the Chinese leader in Beijing.