The U.S. military jet that was downed over Iran earlier this spring was reportedly likely struck by a Chinese-made missile fired by the Iranians.
Back at the start of April, during the early days of the Iran War, a two-seater fighter jet was downed over Iran, leading to a drastic search and rescue effort.
It has since been learned by NBC News via three anonymous sources that the jet was “probably struck by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile.”
“In the early days of the conflict, China also may have provided Iran with a long-range early-warning radar that spots stealth aircraft that are meant to evade detection,” according to the network.
The White House, for its part, appears to be denying everything. Asked by NBC News about its reporting, the White House pointed the network to remarks President Donald Trump recently made.
“President Xi has promised me that he’s not sending any weapons to Iran,” the president said. “That’s a beautiful promise. I take him at his word. I appreciated it.”
Listen:
Trump says Chinese President Xi promised him China will not send weapons to Iran.
Trump: “President Xi has promised me he’s not sending any weapons to Iran. That’s a beautiful promise. I take him at his word.”
Trump added that Xi “wants the Strait open.” pic.twitter.com/sxMaKgBw4q
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 19, 2026
NBC News also pressed a Chinese Embassy spokesperson about the alleged Chinese missile used to take down a U.S. jet.
“China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China’s laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations. China opposes groundless smear and ill-intentioned association,” the spokesperson said.
The Chinese government wasn’t necessarily lying.
NBC News’ sources admitted that it’s not clear whether the Chinese shoulder-launched missile used by the Iranians was delivered to them recently or plucked from old stockpiles that were shipped to Iran years ago.
Plus, a new Congressional Research Service report reviewed by The Washington Times reveals that Chinese companies — not the government — are peddling “nuclear weapons and missile-related systems and goods” to America’s enemies, including Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Communist Chinese government isn’t culpable. Indeed, the report quotes former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Vann Van Diepen as noting that even if these weapons are not directly state-sponsored, “China hasn’t devoted the priority, effort, or resources to thwart” their sales and transfers.
“When that continues to be the case over 20 years … over time it becomes a choice,” he added.
‼️🇨🇳🇮🇷🇰🇵🇷🇺 A new Congressional report alleges Chinese entities continue supplying missile and WMD related technology to Iran, North Korea, and Russia despite years of international scrutiny.
The report says Chinese companies remain a key source of equipment for Iran’s ballistic… pic.twitter.com/uffdv7gZDj
— War Radar (@War_Radar2) May 30, 2026
Speaking with NBC News, former diplomat Craig Singleton of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said that by providing Iran with weapons and tech, China has, over the years, helped beef up the rogue Islamic region’s domestic surveillance apparatus and sustain its military.
In addition to providing Iran with weapons, the Chinese are also giving it radar equipment and dual-use components that can be used to produce drones, among other things.
“Providing dual-use components, like semiconductors, sensors and voltage converters that can also be used in civilian manufacturing, draws less scrutiny than arms sales,” The New York Times notes.
NBC News similarly reported through its anonymous sources that “China also may have provided Iran with a long-range early-warning radar that spots stealth aircraft that are meant to evade detection.”
A separate report from The Jerusalem Post accuses Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of using a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company to purchase Chinese satellite equipment.
“Leaked commercial contracts and shipping records from the company show that the IRGC’s Aerospace Force reportedly acquired a Chinese-made 4.5-meter motorized satellite antenna manufactured by StarWin in late 2025,” the Post’s reporting continues.
“The technology was reportedly sent from Shanghai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas aboard the Chinese container ship Zhong Gu Yin Chuan,” it concludes.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
V. Saxena is a staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University. Saxena also contributes to BizPac Review.
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