Iran bolsters air defenses at rapid pace with China’s assistance – Report
Iran has been beefing up its air defenses with help from China since a truce ended the 12-day war between Tel Aviv and Tehran last month, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye (MEE).
“Iran has taken possession of Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries,” the report said, adding that Tehran is moving “rapidly” to rebuild air defense capabilities targeted by Israel during the war.
An Arab official told the outlet that the Chinese batteries were delivered to Iran following the ceasefire.
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Another Arab official said that US allies in the Gulf were aware of Iranian efforts to “back up and reinforce” air defenses, adding that the White House has been briefed on the matter.
The officials did not reveal the number of surface-to-air missiles that Iran has received from China since the end of the war. One official claimed Tehran was paying for the deliveries with oil shipments.
“The Iranians engage in creative ways of trading,” one of the officials said.
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According to ship tracking data, Chinese imports of Iranian oil witnessed a significant jump in the month of June. Beijing is the world’s leading importer and biggest purchaser of Iranian crude oil.
Iran operates the locally produced Khordad and Bavar 373 air defense systems, which are capable of engaging drones but have a limited ability to shoot down F-35 jets used by Israel.
The Bavar 373 is an Iranian-developed version of the Russian S-300. Iran is also believed to possess older Chinese systems such as the HQ-9.
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Iranian air defenses shot down scores of drones during the 12-day war in June, including both drones launched from Israel and locally produced “small drones” operated by Mossad agents inside the country.
Unconfirmed reports of Israeli fighter jets being downed were never verified.
Israel said it launched strikes targeting Iranian air defenses across the country throughout the war, claiming “complete control” over Iran’s skies. It also said it was striking Iran’s missile capabilities.
The Israeli army said it would prevent Iran from being able to fire ballistic missiles at Israel, but failed to achieve that goal.
READ ALSO: Iran hits five Israeli bases during 12-day war, radar data reveals
Iran’s missiles caused widespread destruction across Israel. Key universities, research centers, and technological hubs were struck.
Several military bases were also hit, yet media censorship has prevented details from being released.
The MEE report comes as there has been concern over a potential renewal of fighting between Israel and Iran.
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Axios reported on Monday that Israel is preparing for additional military operations if Iran attempts to restart its nuclear program. Israeli officials cited in the report said that US President Donald Trump may approve renewed Israeli strikes.
In late June, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he has instructed the Israeli army to prepare a military plan targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its regional alliances.
In a post on X, Katz said the “enforcement plan” would focus on “maintaining Israel’s air superiority, preventing nuclear advancement and missile production, and responding to Iran for supporting terror activity against Israel.”
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“We will act regularly to thwart such threats,” he added, warning Iranian leaders to “understand and beware: Operation Rising Lion was only the preview of a new Israeli policy, after 7 October, immunity is over.”
Speaking separately to Israel’s Channel 12, Katz elaborated that the plan would be implemented regardless of the current ceasefire.
Iran has vowed a severe response to any Israeli ceasefire violations.
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