Iran expects to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence systems within weeks, according to three sources familiar with the deal who spoke to Reuters. The purchase, valued at $60–70 million, covers between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including QW-12 and FN-16 infrared-guided missiles. The contract was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, cautioned that final quantities and delivery schedules could still change.

China’s foreign ministry categorically rejected the reports as “completely groundless”, stating that Beijing has consistently sought to promote peace and end conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the parent company of the intermediary also remained silent. Pakistan’s military public relations wing denied any role in the planned transit, calling speculation “absolutely concocted and false”. Farsi-language reports of the story noted that US President Donald Trump had recently assured that China and Russia would not help Iran rebuild its military — an assertion now challenged by the expected missile shipment.

The deal marks one of Tehran’s largest-known efforts to strengthen its short-range air defences since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel, which exposed Iran’s inability to protect fixed military and strategic sites against advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons. Military analysts say portable systems like the QW-12 and FN-16, which can be rapidly dispersed and operated by small teams, offer a flexible defence against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. One European security source confirmed that several contracts for QW-series MANPADS were under discussion, including models QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19. A separate Middle Eastern source said Iran had been seeking QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was unaware a deal had been concluded.

The United States abruptly suspended two weeks of bombardment on Saturday, yet Trump warned that strikes would resume should negotiations fail to end the five-month-old conflict, which has been in a theoretical ceasefire since April. The planned delivery, routed by air from Urumqi in western China and then through Pakistan, comes as Reuters has separately reported that Iran is close to a separate agreement with China for anti-ship cruise missiles. With the new MANPADS shipment still pending and details subject to change, the dossier underscores deepening Chinese-Iranian military cooperation at a moment of fragile regional stability.