Iran to Receive 400 Missile Launch Systems from China in First Since War Erupted

Iran is set to receive a shipment of 400 Chinese-made air defence missile launch systems, marking its first major arms purchase since the war with the United States and Israel erupted. The deal, valued at between $60 million and $70 million, involves 300 to 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) equipped with Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The agreement was reportedly signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based investment firm acting as an intermediary between Iran and Chinese arms suppliers. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for confirmation. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the reports, stating they were ‘completely groundless’ and that China consistently plays a role in promoting peace and ending conflict.