China Lines Up New Defense Gear for Iran

The United States says China is getting ready to send new air‑defense weapons to Iran soon. Reports from three insiders say the plan involves moving these items through other countries so their source is hidden. The U. S. State Department, the White House and China’s embassy in Washington have not yet replied to requests for comments. China is said to be arranging the shipment of shoulder‑mounted anti‑air missiles, known as MANPADs.These weapons can be fired from the shoulder and are a serious threat to aircraft. Meanwhile, U. S. officials and Iranian leaders will meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, this Saturday. The talks aim to stop the ongoing conflict that has lasted six weeks. The intelligence community is watching closely, as any new weapons could shift the balance in the region.