US intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports

U.S. intelligence indicates ​China is  preparing ​to deliver new air ​defense systems to Iran  within the next few weeks, CNN reported ‌late on ⁠Friday, ⁠citing three  people familiar ​with recent intelligence assessments.

The network said there ​are indications that Beijing is working to route  the ​shipments  through third ⁠countries to  ‌mask their origin.

Also read: JD Vance-led US delegation lands in Pakistan for high-stakes negotiations with Iran


The ​U.S. ​State Department, White ⁠House and the Chinese embassy in ​Washington did not immediately ​respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Beijing is preparing to transfer shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known ‌as MANPADs, CNN said, citing sources it did not name.

The U.S. ⁠and Iran are set to hold high-level negotiations on Saturday ​in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, seeking ways to end their six-week-old war.