Report: Intelligence Estimates Regarding Chinese Support for Iran in the War

SadaNews - American intelligence has obtained information indicating that China has taken a more active role and may have sent munitions to Iran for use in the war that erupted following the U.S.-Israeli conflict in the country, according to a media report on Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said this evening: "I don’t think China will provide weapons to Iran, but if they do, we will impose a 50% tariff on them."

According to The New York Times, U.S. intelligence agencies are assessing the likelihood that China has increased its role in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

In a conversation with the newspaper, American officials, who requested anonymity, stated that intelligence assessments indicate that China may have taken an indirect role in the war, "by overlooking shipments from some companies to Iran of chemicals, fuel, and components that can be used in military production."

The officials noted that China has long been cautious about sending military equipment directly to Iran, but some voices within the government are pushing for direct support to Iranian security forces.

The officials claimed that the Washington administration recently obtained intelligence indicating that China may have sent shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, known as "MANPADS."

However, they clarified that this information is unconfirmed, and there is no evidence of those weapons being used in the field.

On the other hand, the officials mentioned that U.S. intelligence has acquired data indicating that "Russia is also providing satellite intelligence to the Iranian military," which helps the "Revolutionary Guard" to identify American ships and military and diplomatic targets in the Middle East.

The officials also claimed that Russia is providing Iran with food aid, non-lethal military equipment, and satellite images, but is avoiding supplying direct weapons out of fear of provoking the United States.

On Sunday, Tehran and Washington announced the conclusion of talks between them in Islamabad without reaching an agreement to end the war that the U.S. and Israel began against Iran on February 28.

Iran and the United States are exchanging accusations of responsibility for failing to reach an agreement, and it is still unclear whether they intend to hold another round of negotiations during a two-week truce that they announced early last Wednesday.