Trump says he'd be surprised if China sells Iran MANPADS

President Donald Trump said on July 30 that he would be "surprised" and "disappointed" if China supplied weapons to Iran, responding to international reports that Tehran is slated to receive hundreds of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense systems within weeks. The president's remarks, made in the Oval Office, underscored rising tensions over potential foreign military support for Iran amid an ongoing regional conflict.

According to multiple reports citing unnamed sources, Iran is expected to receive an initial shipment of 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) in a deal valued between $60 million and $70 million. The weapons are identified as Chinese-made QW12 and FN16 missiles, which are infrared-guided systems designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The reported agreement was allegedly signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company acting as an intermediary.

The reported procurement is seen as an effort by Iran to rebuild its short-range air defenses following months of military confrontation with the United States and Israel, during which fixed military and infrastructure sites have been targeted....