CBS News: There Is A New Player In The War With Iran
- 17.04.2026, 7:46
China weighs transferring radar systems to Tehran.
According to U.S. intelligence sources, China is weighing the possibility of transferring advanced radar systems to Iran, which could significantly strengthen Tehran's air defense.
This is reported by CBS News.
According to officials familiar with the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report, Beijing was considering supplying Tehran with X-band radars.
Such technology would greatly enhance Iran's ability to detect and track threats, particularly low-flying drones and cruise missiles, and help protect its air defense systems from precision strikes.
Previous instances of support
The Financial Times previously reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used a spy satellite secretly acquired from China's Earth Eye Co. to target U.S. bases in the Middle East.
A December 2025 Pentagon report noted that Chinese commercial satellite companies were involved in business exchanges with Iran's IRGC as of 2024.
In addition, intelligence reports said China was also weighing transferring air defense systems to Iran, possibly through third countries, to hide direct involvement.
Last week, CNN reported that intelligence had detected China preparing to supply Iran with man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
US response and China's position
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump has a "very strong and direct relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and China has assured that arms transfers to Iran "will not happen." Trump also said he had sent a letter to Si Jinping asking him not to provide Iran with weapons.
A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington declined to comment on the letters, but said China's position on Iran was "open and transparent" and Beijing "never engages in actions that escalate conflicts."
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the end of the military operation against Iran.
He also said Washington had suspended the blockade on China, calling it an exception in trade policy amid the escalating situation.
In addition, Trump confirmed that he had exchanged letters with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding possible arms supplies to Iran.