U.S. intelligence has uncovered plans by Chinese companies to conduct clandestine arms sales to Iran, according to a New York Times report. These efforts involve routing weapons through third countries, including at least one in Africa, to obscure their Chinese origin. While it remains unclear whether any shipments have occurred or how many deals were approved by Beijing, U.S. officials believe the Chinese government is likely aware of the communications between Iranian officials and Chinese firms. This comes amid broader concerns about China’s support for Iran, including the provision of dual-use materials used in drone and missile production, as well as intelligence on U.S. military positions in the region.

Earlier in April, CNN reported that China was preparing to supply Iran with man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADs), with evidence suggesting deliberate efforts to conceal the origin of the shipments. U.S. officials have expressed alarm, calling on Beijing to halt any such transfers. The issue gained urgency as President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a rare presidential visit, during which he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Trump revealed he had personally written to Xi, urging him to block the arms deals, and claimed to have received a letter in return in which Xi effectively denied involvement. Despite these diplomatic exchanges, the underlying pattern of indirect support from China to Iran continues to raise strategic concerns for U.S. policymakers, particularly as Tehran has so far refrained from using Chinese-made weapons against American or Israeli forces.