Iran to get shoulder-launched missile systems from China amid escalating war with US: report

Iran is poised to receive its first shipment of shoulder-fired missile launchers from China amid the escalating war with the US — which is now in its sixth month. The $60-70 million deal, first reported by Reuters , is one of the regime’s most high-profile efforts to boost its short-range air defenses since war broke out in February, laying bare its inability to defend military sites and strategic infrastructure against aerial bombardments by the US and Israel. The contract will see between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), complete with Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, delivered to Tehran in the coming weeks, sources told the outlet. 5 A Chinese soldier armed with QW-12 Vanguard 2 and infrared homing guided surface-to-air missile. CCTV China was quick to downplay news of the deal, its foreign ministry dismissing the report as “completely groundless” and insisting the nation “has consistently played a role ⁠in promoting peace and ending the conflict.” Iran’s foreign ministry did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment. Explore More Police ID body of woman found stuffed in suitcase in Greece, probe mysterious death IRGC warns ‘aggressor’ will be ‘punished’ as Iran hits Jordan, Kuwait Mom sought police help a day before killing her two children in suspected murder-suicide After months of war, which has seen Israel and the US relentlessly pummel Iran’s missile, drone and air-defense sites, Tehran finds itself badly in need of rearming. The delivery of Chinese-made missile launchers would significantly boost Iran’s military, and highlight the unnerving depth of the nations’ military ties. 5 The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. CCTV 5 A Chinese tourist poses next to a display of a soldier holding a missile launcher at the China Airshow in Zhuhai on Nov. 4, 2008. AFP via Getty Images The outlet’s sources said the deliveries will originate from Urumqi in western China before being routed through Pakistan on their way to Iran. However, Pakistan’s military public relations wing, ISPR, denied any involvement in the alleged deal, saying, “Speculations of Pakistan being involved in supply of Air Defense weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false.” President Trump on Saturday announced the US military would pause airstrikes against Iran, but told reporters full-scale war could return “if we don’t get 100% of what we want” in the negotiations. 5 Under a plan agreed by the parties, deliveries will initially be by air from Urumqi in western China, then transiting through Pakistan to Iran. CCTV 5 A billboard with a portrait of President Donald Trump being choked is displayed in Tehran, Iran, on July 27, 2026. AFP via Getty Images Trump has repeatedly said Iran wants a deal, but has demanded major concessions from Tehran. Iranian officials have publicly pushed back against US pressure while divisions persist inside Tehran over whether diplomacy or confrontation is the best path forward.