Reuters: Iran Reportedly Imports Military Goods on Chinese Freight Planes
Reuters reports Iran’s military imports arrive on Chinese freight planes and that Tehran buys precision machinery for arms production. Beijing denies knowledge.
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Iran’s military imports reach the country on freight planes from China, among other routes, Reuters reports. The agency also says Tehran is buying precision machinery that could make military equipment at home.
The findings come from a Reuters investigation published on Oct. 29 and republished on Nov. 1. It builds on our earlier report about Iran’s hidden network of MOD agencies. China’s Foreign Ministry says it is “unaware of the situation.”
Freight Planes, Ships and Trucks
Reuters says the material entered Iran by three routes. Cargo ships crossed the Caspian Sea from Russia, trucks came from Central Asia, and freight planes flew in from China. It cites shipping documents and records from the data platform ImportGenius.
The text we reviewed does not name airlines or flights. Reuters says ships brought in the titanium and the rocket-propellant chemicals it traced to China in February. The hardware was “much of it recorded as originating in China, Russia and Germany.”
Precision Machinery for Arms Production
Beyond parts, Reuters says Iran is buying machinery that could build its own weapons. Import data running to June lists computer-controlled lathes, electron-beam furnaces and particle accelerators. All have industrial uses, Reuters says, and can also make drone and missile bodies.
Nearly all imported items were duty-exempt and marked as military equipment, the data shows. Four experts told Reuters much of the material is dual-use. Reuters could not always confirm contents, relying on customs codes and declared origins.
Beijing and Washington Respond
China’s Foreign Ministry told Reuters it was “unaware of the situation you describe.” It said it “firmly” opposes attempts to “maliciously link regional hostilities to China or smear China’s reputation.” Iranian bodies contacted by Reuters did not respond.
A US Treasury spokeswoman said Washington “has severed the regime’s economic lifelines.” On Oct. 12, Trump said he did not believe China and Russia were backing Iran. Reuters quotes his post: “If they are, it’s at a very low level.”
A Pattern of Chinese Flights
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 23 that Iranian customs data show about 1,300 dual-use shipments from China. They went to Iran’s Defense Ministry in early 2026, mostly by air to Tehran. Mahan Air flights from China reportedly rose from about four a week in March to around 27 by late April.
Reuters reported in July that Iran expects up to 400 Chinese shoulder-fired missile launchers, citing sources. Beijing called that report “completely groundless.” In September, Reuters cited sources on a barter-like oil-for-goods channel with China, which Beijing says it is not aware of.
Our earlier reports covered claims of Chinese satellite imagery in Iranian strikes and Houthi missile plans using Chinese parts. Chinese officials have rejected the satellite claims.
The Sanctions Backdrop
UN sanctions on Iran returned in late September 2025 after the “snapback” process, restoring an arms embargo. China and Russia say the move is illegitimate. The US naval blockade of Iran resumed in mid-July and remains in effect, Reuters reports.
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