‘Surprising, will be disappointed’: Trump on reports of China supplying 400 missile launchers to Iran

Trump was asked about reports claiming Iran could receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missiles in the coming weeks. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would be “disappointed” if China supplied weapons to Iran while repeating commitments he claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had made to him that Beijing would not sell arms to Tehran..Trump has raised concerns before about the possibility of China supplying weapons to Iran during the war. (AP/File Photo)His remarks came after reports claimed China was preparing to send 400 shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers to Iran under a new agreement, as Tehran strengthens its air defences during the war with the US.Trump on reports of China sending weapons to IranTrump was questioned on Wednesday about reports claiming Iran could receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missiles in the coming weeks.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the US president said, “That was surprising. I mean, things like that happen, but that would be surprising.”“He told me very strongly he wouldn’t partake, but he knows I’d be quite disappointed. He’s coming here, I think, on September 24,” he added, referring to Xi’s likely visit to the US for a meeting later this year.Notably, Trump has raised concerns before about the possibility of China supplying weapons to Iran during the war.In April, he said Xi had written to him, assuring that Beijing was not sending arms to Tehran. While China does not directly export weapons to Iran, it does supply dual-use technology, according to Bloomberg News.The US president has also warned of imposing a 50% tariff on imports from countries that provide weapons to Tehran.China to supply weapons to Iran?A report by news agency Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the agreement between China and Iran, said that Tehran is expected to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers within the next few weeks.China, however, has rejected the report. In a statement, China's foreign ministry said: "The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict."Inside the reported agreementThe purchase, reportedly estimated to be worth $60-70 million, is believed to be one of Iran's biggest known efforts to improve its short-range air defences since the war with the US and Israel began.The agreement reportedly includes the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including the Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missile systems.The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that reportedly acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.With inputs from agenciesFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreUs Iran WarChinaDonald TrumpUs Top NewsGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.