US intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems

U.S. intelligence has detected clear signs that China is weighing the provision of advanced X-band radar systems to Iran.

Days after the U.S.-Israel led war with Iran began last month, Defense Intelligence Agency analysts assessed that Beijing was considering supplying the systems to Tehran. U.S. officials say the X-band radars would significantly enhance Iran’s ability to detect and track low-flying drones, cruise missiles, and other threats, giving it better protection against American and Israeli strikes.

The early deliberations point to a broader informal alignment among China, Russia, and Iran to counter U.S. ambitions in the region. Russia has already shared intelligence with Iran on U.S. military positions.

It remains unclear if China ultimately transferred the radars. Intelligence also indicates Beijing has weighed providing other air defense systems, possibly routed through third countries. Iran’s IRGC has already used a Chinese spy satellite to target U.S. bases in the Middle East.

The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment warns China has eclipsed Russia as the top U.S. competitor in space capabilities.

Senate Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner called the reports “significant,” stressing that every Chinese company owes primary loyalty to the Communist Party.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump received assurances from Xi Jinping that such support would not happen.