US Lawmaker Seeks Answers Over Reports of Chinese Missile Transfers to Iran

August 7, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

A senior US lawmaker has asked the State Department, Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to provide details on reports that China is supplying Iran with shoulder-fired air defence missiles, warning that the alleged transfer could increase risks to US military personnel and regional security partners. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe seeking information on the reported arms transfer.

The request follows media reports that China agreed to supply Iran with Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) through a Hong Kong-based company. The reports said the initial shipment could include between 300 and 400 systems intended to replenish Iran’s air defence capabilities. Krishnamoorthi said the reported transfer raises concerns because MANPADS can be used against aircraft, helicopters and low-flying drones, potentially increasing threats facing US forces and allied military assets in the region.

“I write today ... to voice my great concern over recent public reports that the People’s Republic of China has sold shoulder-fired air-defence missiles to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Krishnamoorthi said in the letter. The lawmaker questioned whether the reported transfer contradicts assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping to US President Donald Trump that Beijing was not providing weapons support to Iran.

The letter asks US officials to assess the extent of China’s support for Iran’s military rebuilding efforts, including whether additional arms transfers have been discussed or confirmed. Krishnamoorthi also requested information on whether the US administration has raised the reports with Chinese officials, whether Beijing’s denials are considered credible, and what measures are being taken to protect US military personnel from MANPADS and similar systems.

The request also seeks intelligence assessments on whether the reported transfer process has begun or remains on hold, China’s possible sharing of intelligence with Iran, and the ability of US agencies to monitor weapons movements through regional routes, including Pakistan. The lawmaker requested responses by August 16, 2026, and asked for a classified briefing by September 2, 2026, if necessary, covering the reported missile agreement, Chinese military and intelligence support for Iran, and US efforts to prevent threats to American forces. The allegations have not been independently confirmed by the US government. China has previously denied accusations that it is supplying weapons to Iran.

Source: FSX Business News