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A new report from Israeli media warns of increased military cooperation between Iran and China, particularly in the production of surface-to-surface missiles. According to intelligence findings cited by Yedioth Ahronoth, Beijing may be helping Tehran rebuild missile capabilities damaged during the recent June war.
The concerns were highlighted as Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stated that the army is ready to launch further strikes on Iran if necessary, following what he described as a successful preemptive campaign. Newsweek has reached out to the foreign ministries of Israel, China, and Iran for comments.
Israel views reported cooperation between Beijing and Tehran as a significant security challenge. The June war saw Israel fight a 12-day, US-backed campaign against Iran. Israeli authorities are wary that Chinese involvement in missile development or supply could directly undermine Israel’s defense efforts.
The report from Yedioth Ahronoth also noted that European intelligence agencies have recently tracked closer cooperation between China and Iran. In late July, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said there were “troubling” indications of China aiding Iran in rebuilding its missile arsenal. He expressed concern over possible material transfers that could “reconstitute a ballistic missile program.”
Last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, highlighting Tehran’s growing ties with Beijing. Around that time, reports from Middle East Eye and Israel Hayom indicated Iran received Chinese-made surface-to-air missiles paid for in oil.
China has denied arms sales to nations “engaged in warfare.”
The latest Yedioth Ahronoth report comes amid public discussion in Israel about the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran. On June 27, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare an “enforcement plan” targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Israeli officials have said they will act to prevent Iran from restoring its missile capabilities. At the same time, Iran has emphasized its right to pursue nuclear enrichment and strengthen its defenses, signaling readiness to respond to threats. China’s growing military and economic cooperation with Tehran adds further complexity as Israel continues monitoring Beijing’s role in supporting Iran’s missile and defense programs.
In July, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the military to prepare an “enforcement plan” targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Tehran has stated it will continue nuclear enrichment and maintain a peaceful nuclear energy program.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, told Voice of America in July: “There’s no reason why we couldn’t have good relations with the people of China. But we certainly don’t want to see China acting alongside those who threaten our very existence.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in July, said: “China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, resisting power politics and bullying, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiation.”
Israeli officials are taking steps to prevent Iran from restoring its missile capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran continues to emphasize its right to pursue nuclear enrichment and strengthen its defenses, indicating a readiness to respond to threats. China’s growing military and economic cooperation with Tehran adds complexity as Israel monitors Beijing’s role in supporting Iran’s missile and defense programs.
