United States intelligence has found that Chinese companies are planning clandestine arms sales to Iran, according to a report by The New York Times citing American officials. The weapons were allegedly intended to be routed through third countries, including at least one in Africa, to conceal their Chinese origin. It remains unclear whether any shipments have taken place or whether Chinese authorities formally approved the deals.

American officials believe it is unlikely that Beijing was unaware of communications between Chinese firms and Iranian representatives, even if the central government did not explicitly authorize the transfers. Iran has not used Chinese weapons against Israel or American forces since recent military operations targeting Tehran.

China has provided Iran with intelligence on American forces and dual-use materials for drone and missile production. Earlier intelligence reports indicated that Beijing was preparing to supply man-portable air defense systems while attempting to disguise the shipments' origin. American officials have urged China to halt any arms transfers, and President Donald Trump has personally appealed to President Xi Jinping to block such sales during his visit to Beijing.