This handout picture provided by the Iranian Defense Ministry on Feb. 17, 2024 shows a Sayad-3 missile during the unveiling of the Arman defense systems at an undisclosed location. (Credit: Iranian Defense Ministry via AFP)
China sent Iran surface-to-air missile batteries after Israel's 12-day war against the country ended, Middle East Eye reported on Monday, as Iran seeks to rebuild its air defenses.
The deliveries were made post-cease-fire, which was mediated by the U.S. and came into effect on June 24, an Arab official familiar with the information told MEE.
Another Arab official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the U.S.'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. "The Iranians engage in creative ways of trading," they said.
For several years, China has imported record amounts of Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions, using countries such as Malaysia as a transshipment hub to mask the crude's origin.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump were expected to discuss Iran and its nuclear program during their initial meeting on Monday.
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