Iran Reportedly Acquires Chinese Surface-to-Air Missile Batteries

Iran has reportedly taken possession of Chinese surface-to-air missile systems following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel, according to sources.

The deliveries of Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries occurred after a truce was struck between Iran and Israel on 24 June, an Arab official familiar with the intelligence said, The Caspian Post reports, citing Iranian media.

Another Arab official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive intelligence, said that the US's Arab allies were aware of Tehran's efforts to "back up and reinforce" its air defences and that the White House had been informed of Iran's progress.

The officials did not say how many surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs, Iran had received from China since the end of the fighting. However, one of the Arab officials said that Iran was paying for the SAMs with oil shipments.

China is the largest importer of Iranian oil, and the US Energy Information Administration suggested in a report in May that nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude and condensate exports flow to Beijing.

For several years, China has imported record amounts of Iranian oil despite US sanctions, using countries such as Malaysia as a transshipment hub to mask the crude's origin.

"The Iranians engage in creative ways of trading," the second Arab official stated.