U.S. military intelligence has assessed that China is weighing whether to provide Iran with advanced radar systems capable of detecting low-flying drones and cruise missiles, a move that would significantly strengthen Tehran’s defensive capabilities against American and allied forces operating across the Middle East.

Pentagon Analysts Identify Advanced Weapons Consideration

Analysts at the Defense Intelligence Agency determined that Beijing has considered supplying Iran with X-band radar systems, according to multiple U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. This technology would substantially enhance Iran’s ability to detect and track incoming threats and protect its air defense infrastructure against advanced strikes. Officials could not confirm whether China ultimately moved forward with the transfer, but the assessment underscores growing concerns that Iran’s regional conflicts are drawing support from global competitors willing to provide critical military assistance.

The intelligence community has also found evidence that China was preparing to deliver shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems known as MANPADs to Iran, potentially routed through third countries to obscure direct Chinese involvement. Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, characterized the reports as significant developments warranting close attention from American lawmakers and military planners.

Satellite Intelligence and Revolutionary Guard Operations

Separate intelligence assessments indicate that Tehran has previously used satellite imagery provided by China during ongoing conflicts involving Israel and U.S. forces. A leaked Iranian military document revealed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used a spy satellite secretly purchased from Chinese company Earth Eye Co. to target American bases in the Middle East. A Pentagon report released in December confirmed that Chinese commercial satellite companies had participated in business exchanges with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as of 2024.

Trump Administration Response

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the intelligence assessments Thursday, stating that President Trump maintains a strong direct relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that China has assured the United States the weapons transfer will not happen. Trump revealed in a Wednesday interview on Fox Business Network that he sent a letter to Xi asking him not to provide weapons to Iran, though he did not specify when the correspondence was exchanged. The President is expected to visit China next month for a high-stakes summit addressing multiple overlapping crises and strategic interests between the two nations.