Iran is set to receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense launchers within weeks

Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers, according to reports citing three sources familiar with the deal, as Tehran rebuilds its defenses amid its war with the United States.

The $60-70 million purchase is one of Iran's largest-known efforts to shore up its short-range air defenses since fighting with the U.S. and Israel exposed gaps in its ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure. The contract covers 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems, including Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, and was signed with a Hong Kong-based intermediary. The infrared-guided systems can engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones, and their mobility makes them harder to target than fixed batteries.

The reported deal, if accurate, would contradict recent public assurances from President Trump. In a social media post days earlier, he said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him during a Beijing meeting that he would not give or sell weapons to Iran under any circumstances, including through Chinese companies, and that Vladimir Putin gave a similar assurance. Trump warned that if the two countries did participate, "it would be very bad for them."

Beijing dismissed the deal as completely groundless, and Pakistan, named as a transit route, called claims of its involvement concocted and false. Trump has said U.S. strikes will resume if negotiations fail to end the five-month conflict.