Tehran, July 8, 2025
Iran has received Chinese surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in a fresh push to rebuild its air defence network, regional sources confirm. The transfer comes just weeks after the end of Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel.
The Chinese SAMs were delivered shortly after a ceasefire was reached between Tehran and Tel Aviv on June 24. The missile systems are part of Iran’s broader effort to replace military assets destroyed during the conflict.
According to regional intelligence shared with Middle East Eye, Iran is bartering crude oil in exchange for military hardware from China. A senior Arab official said that this oil-for-weapons deal helps Iran bypass US-led sanctions, often using intermediaries like Malaysia to mask oil origins.
A second Arab source revealed that Washington’s Arab allies had already been briefed about the weapons transfer. The Biden administration is reportedly monitoring the developments, but has not issued any public comment.
The specific models of the SAMs remain unclear. However, China’s HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, already in use by countries like Pakistan and Egypt, are widely suspected to be part of the deal.
This military cooperation further strengthens the growing Iran-China alliance, as both nations face increasing Western pressure. Recent US data confirms that China now buys nearly 90% of Iran’s oil, making it Tehran’s largest energy customer.
During the Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli airstrikes destroyed missile launch sites and command centers across Iran. Although Iran managed to retaliate by hitting sensitive areas in Tel Aviv and Haifa, it failed to stop Israel’s F-35 jets, highlighting weaknesses in Iran’s current defences.
Iran’s air defence arsenal includes Russian S-300 systems and locally made Bavar-373 and Khordad units, but experts argue that these are less effective against stealth aircraft.
Historically, China and Iran have cooperated on missile technology. In the 1980s, Iran received Silkworm missiles during the Iran-Iraq War, and in 2010, there were reports of Iran acquiring HQ-9 systems.
As Iran boosts its defences, Israeli and US officials are watching closely. Former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet soon, with Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities expected on the agenda.
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