BEIJING, China: An Iran-China missile deal could send up to 400 shoulder-fired air-defence systems to Tehran within weeks, three sources familiar with the agreement told Reuters on July 29.
The reported contract is worth between $60 million and $70 million. It covers 300 to 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).
The weapons include Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, according to the Reuters report. Both systems target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones.
Sources said Iran signed the agreement with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment. They described the Hong Kong-registered company as an intermediary for the Chinese supplier.
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However, China’s Foreign Ministry called the report “completely groundless.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the intermediary’s parent company did not immediately comment.
Meanwhile, sources said the initial deliveries would leave Urumqi in western China and pass through Pakistan. They did not clarify whether the Pakistan leg would use air or land routes.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations rejected the allegation. The military described claims of Pakistani involvement in supplying Chinese air-defence weapons to Iran as false.
Read: Iran Air Defence Deal Covers Up to 400 Chinese Launchers
Reuters said shipment dates, quantities and other details could still change despite the reported signing.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had promised not to supply weapons to Iran. Trump said the assurance also covered Chinese companies.
Separately, the US Treasury Department sanctioned an alleged Iranian weapons-procurement network on May 8. Washington said the network had sought MANPADS from China through companies in several countries.
