CBS News, an American media outlet, has reported that U.S. intelligence has found indications that China is considering supplying Iran with advanced radar systems.
The report states that last month, a few days after the start of the war involving Iran led by the United States and Israel, U.S. intelligence agencies detected signs that the conflict could expand beyond its initial theater, as Russia and China attempt to support Iran in order to weaken U.S. and Israeli military operations.
Analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Pentagon’s military intelligence arm, have assessed that China is evaluating whether to provide Tehran with advanced radar systems. These considerations come as reports indicate that Russia has shared intelligence with Iran regarding U.S. military positions in the Middle East.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of national security matters, said that Beijing has considered supplying Iran with “X-band” radar systems.
This technology would enable Iran to detect and track threats such as low-flying drones and cruise missiles, and could also help protect Iran’s air defense systems against advanced attacks.
According to the source, it remains unclear whether China has carried out the transfer, but officials say the assessment highlights Washington’s concern that the Iran conflict is drawing in not only regional adversaries but also global rivals willing to provide significant support without direct military involvement.
The Defense Intelligence Agency, the CIA, and the White House have not yet responded to requests for comment.
On Wednesday, the UK’s Financial Times also reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had used a reconnaissance satellite covertly acquired from a Chinese company called “Earth Eye Co” to target U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, prepared by the intelligence community, warns that China is far ahead of other countries in space capabilities.
The report states that China has overtaken Russia in space and is now the primary rival of the United States.
U.S. intelligence also indicates that Beijing has explored methods of transferring air defense systems to Iran, potentially through third countries to conceal its direct role.
Previously, CNN also reported last week that China is preparing to provide Iran with shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS).