German Report: Iran Planned to Buy Chinese Missiles, Train Technicians

Iran reportedly planned to acquire 250 QW-12 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile launchers from China, according to a report by Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung. The newspaper cited leaked Iranian military documents indicating the deal was planned for late March and included provisions for Iranian military technicians to travel to China for operational and maintenance training.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung's findings align with a previous Reuters report from late July, which cited sources claiming Iran was set to receive up to 400 Chinese-made MANPADS within weeks. The alleged transaction has intensified scrutiny over whether Beijing is providing military aid to Tehran.

The leaked documents reportedly show Iran's Ministry of Defense intending to purchase the QW-12 systems, with each set including two missiles, for approximately $90 million. The documents suggest a common Iranian tactic of using third-party trading companies to mask the true buyer. Another classified document allegedly indicates the Iranian Air Force planned to send two technicians for training on the QW-12 system, with China as the likely destination.

China's Foreign Ministry has strongly denied any arms sales to Iran. The reports surface as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the U.S. in September. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned China against providing weapons to Iran, stating that Xi Jinping had personally assured him during a meeting that such sales would not occur.