Unconfirmed reports of Chinese cargo planes delivering ‘mystery shipments’ to Iran fuel speculation of covert military aid
As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran, reports of a second Chinese transport plane landing in Tehran have ignited fears that Beijing may be covertly reinforcing its strategic ally. While flight details and cargo remain unverified, the timing—amid Israel’s campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites—has raised alarms about potential arms transfers, such as drones or radar components. No major outlets have corroborated the claims, but the speculation underscores China’s high-stakes dilemma: Iran supplies 15% of China’s crude oil, a lifeline sustained by sanctions-evading “shadow tankers.”
The 2021 China-Iran 25-year pact, which funnels $400 billion into Tehran’s economy in exchange for discounted oil, binds the two nations. Half of Iran’s $50 billion annual oil revenue funds the IRGC, making China’s imports indirectly bankroll regional proxies. With Israel’s strikes now threatening Iran’s oil infrastructure, Beijing faces energy security risks—switching suppliers could spike costs amid U.S. trade tensions.
Dubbed the “Red-Green Alliance,” China and Iran’s anti-Western partnership includes alleged military cooperation, though Beijing denies direct involvement. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has condemned Israel’s actions, echoing Iran’s stance at the UN. Analysts suggest China may limit support to economic and diplomatic channels, but unverified arms shipments could signal a dangerous escalation. As the U.S. tightens sanctions on Iranian oil buyers, the conflict tests China’s balancing act between energy needs and global stability.