Iran is reportedly rearming during a pause in hostilities with the United States, expecting its first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missiles within weeks.
The $60-70 million deal covers QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS, brokered via Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
According to the report, China's Foreign Ministry called the reports "completely groundless." The deal follows months of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites.
Pakistan Denies Role as Delivery Route Emerges The report also stated that shipments would route from Urumqi through Pakistan.
In a statement to Reuters, Islamabad's military called claims of its involvement "absolutely concocted and false." The pause in violent attacks coincides with separate diplomatic movement.
