China is now sending missiles to Iran, according to US intelligence agencies
April 13, 2026 11 Comments
THERE IS MOUNTING EVIDENCE to suggest that the government of China may be supplying missiles to the Iranian armed forces, according to American intelligence agencies. Combined with prior reports about alleged Russian intelligence assistance to Iran, these latest indicators may demonstrate that China and Russia are aiding the Iranian military in a systematic and coordinated fashion in order to contribute to an American strategic defeat in the Middle East.
On Saturday, the US-based international television network CNN cited “three people familiar with recent intelligence assessment” in reporting that China was preparing to deliver to Iran several shipments of shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, known as MANPADs. These missile systems are highly prized in both low- and high-intensity conflicts because they give individual soldiers a cheap, portable way to destroy multimillion-dollar aircraft. Their low cost and ease of concealment allow ambush-style attacks that are difficult to detect, forcing enemy pilots to fly higher or avoid certain areas. Thus, if utilized appropriately, MANPAD weapons can effectively strip an opponent of their low-altitude air superiority.
Later on Saturday, a report in The New York Times claimed that United States intelligence agencies have obtained evidence that China may have already sent at least one shipment of MANPADs to Iran. The paper noted that the intelligence collected is “not definitive” and that there is no evidence to suggest that the Iranians have received the shipment of missiles from China, or that they have deployed these weapons on the battlefield.
If it is verified, however, the intelligence may indicate that the Chinese are abandoning their traditional reluctance to supply Iran with finished or fully assembled weapons systems—especially for use against the United States armed forces. In the past, China has used a number of state-controlled export companies to supply Iran with fuel, chemicals and hardware components that can, under certain circumstances, be used to aid Iran’s military effort.
If China were to begin to systematically supply Iran with missiles and other weapons systems, it could significantly alter the course of the ongoing conflict between the Islamic Republic and the United States-Israeli alliance. Much of the course of this war depends on the ability of each side to maintain its supply of weapons—especially offensive and defensive missiles, or other interceptor ammunition.
► Author: Joseph Fitsanakis | Date: 13 April 2026 | Permalink
intelNews.org 
The Chinese shoulder fired MANPAD missiles likely supplied to Iran may well be FN-6s, NATO reporting name CH-SA-10. The FN-6 is an export-oriented product – one of China’s most advanced shoulder fired missiles. [1]
The FN-6’s operating altitude, from 15m to 3.5km, makes it a candidate for the “shoulder fired missile” that shot down the F-15E over Iran on April 3, 2026. [2] This is because the F-15E flown by the 2 airmen, who were rescued, was likely shot down when flying at approximately 2.13km (7,000 feet) altitude. [3]
So the likely recent entry of Chinese FN-6 shoulder fired missiles into Iran may explain why the US is suddenly losing aircraft over Iran to enemy action. The F-15E and then an A-10 “Warthog” shortly after.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN-6
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_F-15E_rescue_operation_in_Iran#Background
[3] Google AI
TRUST BUT VERIFY!!!!
Hi Anonymous at
Yes. “Trust, but verify” (Russian: doveryay, no proveryay) is a proverb popularized by Ronald Reagan during 1980s nuclear disarmament talks with the Soviet Union. It advises maintaining a default attitude of trust while implementing verification measures to ensure compliance or accuracy, balancing cooperation with caution.
The fog of war heavily applies to Iran on missiles and nuclear. On missiles whether Chinese or older Iranian-Russian MANPADs are being used to shoot down US aircraft. There’s also chances larger Iranian SAMs are/were used – not totally clear. It’s quite a big political deal if Chinese made and exported MANPADs begin to kill US airmen.
On nuclear – over the decades since 1979 Iran went from saying it was not enriching Uranium for weapons’ purposes but for peaceful nuclear energy, medical isotopes and research purposes. Now the weapons intentions are out in the open https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_program_of_Iran#Current_status_and_recent_escalations_(2025%E2%80%93present)
It needs to be said that from the 1950s Israel was developing working nuclear weapons with the full knowledge of the CIA, mainly from covert French sources and US-Israeli backchannels at very senior levels. Presidents (US and French) just didn’t want to officially know.
The Iranian feeling is, like Israel, if we have nuclear weapons no-one will succeed in invading us – because we can always nuke the invader’s capital and invading forces.
US loosing the top position as world leader to China has been predicted for a long time. But everybody was figuring it would take at least a century. Donald Trump single handedly cut that by half or more.
In High School, we were told Japan was going to own the US… And for one to think China is somehow going to lead the world… Funny, how history seem to always repeat itself?
I for one, don’t see the US loosing anything, it has walked away. Let the Cake eaters have their cake, just don’t expect the US tax payer to pick up the tab… So, enjoy your cake!
The moron in charge of US willfully alienated his allies and willfully named China an enemy, now the chicken come home to roost.
All apologies POTUS
A bit off topic – the attempted assassination of Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/25/politics/live-news/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner might be seen as an FBI security failure.
This may shine badly on Director FBI Kash Patel given rumours over a drinking problem https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/kash-patel-fbi-director-drinking-absences/686839/
@pete747303e046b1699 it might also be seen as attempt at boosting Mr. Trump popularity.
Mr. Patel must be torn between doing his sworn duty and helping the president who put him in power.
Hi Anonymous at April 26, 2026 at 16:18
I think you’re right.
I find it remarkable the security team didn’t shoot and kill the shooter – particularly after he shot a cop.
I notice Trump highlighted the shooter came from California (who all upstanding Trumpists see as that “disloyal, Democrat, woke State”).
So I too am tempted to see the whole matter as a setup by Trump’s lot, to boost Trump’s (the “great survivor, brave in face of danger’s”) popularity.