Following the end of a 12-day conflict with Israel, Iran has received Chinese surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries to rebuild its air defense systems, according to intelligence shared with Middle East Eye.

Axar.az reports that the transfer took place after a de facto ceasefire on 24 June 2025.

Iran is reportedly paying for the missile systems with oil, as China remains the primary buyer of Iranian crude despite US sanctions.

These deliveries signal a strengthening of military ties between Tehran and Beijing. The move comes after Israel severely damaged Iranian missile infrastructure and assassinated key figures during the conflict. Although Iran suffered major setbacks, it continued to launch missile strikes on Israeli cities before the truce.

China has a history of supplying Iran with missiles, dating back to the 1980s. Iran's current air defense arsenal includes Russian S-300s, Chinese systems, and domestically produced models like the Bavar-373. However, these are considered limited against advanced aircraft like Israel’s US-made F-35s. The US and Israeli leaders are expected to discuss Iran and its nuclear ambitions soon.