(Reuters) – Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers, three sources familiar with the deal told Reuters, as it rebuilds its defences amid war with the United States.

The purchase, valued at $60-70 million, is one of Tehran’s largest-known efforts to strengthen its short-range air defences since the outbreak of its war with the US and Israel, which exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure.

The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, the sources said.

The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the sources said was acting as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.

IRAN NEEDS TO REARM AFTER MONTHS OF WAR

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

China’s Foreign Ministry said: “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role ⁠in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”

Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not immediately respond to an email request for comment on Tuesday.

Iran needs to rearm after months of fighting in which the U.S. and Israel have struck facilities linked to its missile, drone and air-defence programmes, and Tehran responded with barrages of ballistic missiles and drones.

The conflict has highlighted the challenge of defending fixed military and strategic sites against advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons.

Washington abruptly suspended two weeks of bombardment on Saturday, but President Donald Trump said strikes would resume if negotiations failed to end the five-month-old conflict, which has in theory been in a state of ceasefire since April.

The delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would significantly expand Iran’s inventory of short-range air-defence weapons and underscore how military ties with China are deepening.

The sources cautioned that, although the agreement had been signed, delivery schedules, quantities and other implementation details could still change.

Under a plan agreed by the parties, deliveries will initially be by air from Urumqi in western China, then transiting through Pakistan to Iran, according to the sources, who did not clarify whether the transfers would take place by ⁠air or by road.

Pakistan’s military public relations wing ISPR said: “Speculations of Pakistan being involved in supply of Air Defence weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false.” A spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

CHINA AND IRAN EXPLORE LAND ROUTES FOR DELIVERY, SOURCES SAY

While Iran has invested heavily in the past two decades in missiles, drones and radar, military experts say portable air-defence systems are important because they can be dispersed quickly, operated by small teams and relocated frequently, making them less vulnerable than fixed air-defence batteries

A European security source said authorities in his country were aware of several contracts under ⁠discussion involving the possible sale of QW-series MANPADS to Iran, including QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19 systems.

A second security source, in the Middle East, said Iran had been seeking to purchase QW-12 and QW-18 missiles, but they were unaware that a deal had already been concluded.

The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility allows them to be deployed rapidly around military installations, ⁠energy infrastructure and other sensitive sites.

Defence analysts regard the QW-12 as less capable than newer QW variants, including the QW-18 and QW-19, but say the systems can still provide an effective layer of short-range protection against drones and low-flying targets.

Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official said Tehran had also explored the use of overland routes to move Chinese military supplies and dual-use components ⁠more discreetly and reduce the risk of disruption.

The procurement highlights the Islamic Republic’s continuing reliance on a combination of domestic weapons production and foreign suppliers despite years of sanctions and restrictions on defence-related imports.

Reuters previously reported that Iran was close to securing a separate agreement with China to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles, according to people familiar with those negotiations. Reuters could not determine whether the agreement went through.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attack on pro-Iranian groups.

According to foreign media reports, Centcom says it has carried out targeted attacks against pro-Iranian groups in Iraq in collaboration with Saudi Arabian forces.

Centcom claims that these pro-Iranian groups targeted US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure on the instructions of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

CENTCOM said that US and Saudi fighter jets targeted multiple terrorist logistics and weapons depots in eastern Iraq in response to more than 30 aerial drone strikes conducted at the direction of the IRGC over the past 72 hours.

The statement said that the attacks carried out by the IRGC were unjustified and failed to achieve their objectives.

According to Centcom, between February and April, pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq attempted more than 600 attacks on American citizens and installations.

The statement warned that the IRGC and its affiliated groups must stop these attacks, otherwise the US may take further military action.

Saudi Arabia: Joint attacks with US in Iraq were carried out in self-defense

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also confirmed attacks on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has said that its armed forces, in collaboration with CENTCOM, carried out targeted attacks on Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq.

According to the ministry, these actions were taken in response to drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities based on the right to self-defense under international law.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense has said that Saudi Arabia does not want further tension, but if it is attacked again in the future, it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, citizens, and national assets.

8 Iraqi PMF personnel killed in US-Saudi strikes

Iraq’s paramilitary group, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has confirmed that its headquarters across the country were targeted.

An explosion has occurred at the PMF headquarters in the southern Iraqi province of Basra.

The PMF’s Nineveh Command has said that eight of its personnel were killed in joint US and Saudi airstrikes in the northern province of Nineveh.

According to the command, four more personnel were also injured in the attacks.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is a coalition of various armed groups, several of which are considered to be affiliated with Iran.

سعودی وزارتِ دفاع کا کہنا ہے کہ عراق میں ایران نواز گروپوں کے ٹھکانوں پر امریکی سینٹرل کمانڈ کے ساتھ مل کر حملے کیے ہیں۔

سعودی حکام کا کہنا ہے کہ یہ کارروائی حالیہ ڈرون حملوں کے جواب میں کی گئی ہے۔

قبل ازیں سعودی حکام نے کہا کہ عراق سے داغے گئے متعدد ڈرونز کو ہدف تک پہنچنے سے پہلے ہی تباہ کردیا گیا۔

سعودی وزارتِ دفاع کی جانب سے یہ بھی کہا گیا کہ تیل تنصیبات پر ڈرون حملہ ناکام بنا دیا ہے۔

دوسری جانب ایرانی میڈیا کا کہنا ہے کہ سعودی عرب پر حملوں سے ایران کا کوئی تعلق نہیں ہے۔

واضح رہے اربیل میں واقع امریکی فوجی اڈے پر مبینہ ڈرون حملہ ہوا جس میں امریکی قونصل خانہ بھی ہدف بنا۔

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Iran has already joined the war against Ukraine by supplying weapons to Russia, and it is important to be careful about possible new threats.

During an interview with a British news channel, Zelensky was asked if he was concerned that Iran could directly attack Ukraine after the recent incident involving its plane?

In response, the Ukrainian president said that Iran has already attacked us by supplying weapons to Russia, we have to be careful and make every effort to ensure that no new front opens.

He said that the fact is that Iran and North Korea have already attacked us, hopefully they will not increase their attacks further, but we have to be prepared for any situation.

Zelensky alleged that since the beginning of the war, Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahid drones, then also licensed their production, which is tantamount to direct assistance in the war against Ukraine.

He also said that Ukraine cannot trust Iran because Iran had started supplying weapons to Russia without any provocation.

It should be noted that an Iranian merchant ship was allegedly attacked by Ukraine in the Caspian Sea.

This situation has raised concerns about the interconnection of the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and the Middle East and a possible new front.

According to Iran, 1 officer was killed and 1 was injured in the attack on the ship.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Ukraine’s attack on the Iranian ship and summoned the Ukrainian chargé d’affaires to register a protest.

In this regard, Ukrainian President Zelensky had earlier said that a Russian ship allegedly carrying weapons to Iran had been targeted in the Caspian Sea.

ایرانی حملے میں کویت پیٹرولیم کارپوریشن کی ایک تیل تنصیب کو نشانہ بنایا گیا۔

اس حوالے سے جاری کویت پیٹرولیم کارپوریشن کے بیان میں کہا گیا ہے کہ ایرانی حملے میں متعدد افراد زخمی ہوئے اور بڑے پیمانے پر نقصان ہوا ہے۔

اس سے قبل ایران کے سینئر فوجی مشیر محسن رضائی نے خبر دار کیا کہ اگر امریکا نے ایران پر حملے جاری رکھے تو تہران تنازع کو مکمل علاقائی جنگ میں تبدیل کر دے گا۔

محسن رضائی نے جاری کیے گئے اپنے بیان میں کہا ہے کہ اب جنگ یا مذاکرات کی پالیسی ختم ہو چکی ہے، 12 روزہ جنگ کے دوران ایران کی حکمتِ عملی تنازع کو خطے میں پھیلنے سے روکنا تھی۔

سینئر فوجی مشیر کا کہنا ہے کہ امریکی اور اسرائیلی حملوں کے باوجود ایران نے کویت یا دیگر امریکی فوجی اڈوں کو نشانہ نہیں بنایا۔

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a surprise attack on the US Special Operations Command Center in Syria’s Al-Tanf region, stating it was in retaliation for the martyrs of Iranshahr.

According to Iranian media reports, the IRGC claims the attack destroyed a radar system and several US special operations helicopters, and killed numerous American soldiers to avenge the fallen Iranian troops.

In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard maintained that Iran has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz.

They also warned that as long as US attacks persist, no oil or gas exports will be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے آبنائے ہرمز سے گزرنے والے تمام تجارتی جہازوں پر 20 فیصد ٹول عائد کرنے کے اعلان نے خلیجی اتحادی ممالک اور امریکی انتظامیہ میں تشویش پیدا کر دی تھی۔

امریکی نشریاتی ادارے سی این این نے دعویٰ کیا ہے کہ صدر ٹرمپ کے آبنائے ہرمز پر 20 فیصد فیس وصول کرنے کے اعلان کے بعد سعودی عرب، متحدہ عرب امارات، بحرین اور قطر کے رہنماؤں نے فوری طور پر ٹرمپ سے رابطے کیے اور منصوبہ واپس لینے پر زور دیا۔

واضح رہے کہ صدر ٹرمپ نے سوشل میڈیا پر اعلان کیا تھا کہ امریکا اب ’آبنائے ہرمز کا محافظ‘ ہو گا اور اس اہم آبی گزرگاہ سے گزرنے والے تمام کارگو پر 20 فیصد فیس وصول کی جائے گی۔

سی این این کے مطابق اس اعلان کے بعد وائٹ ہاؤس میں بھی غیر یقینی کی صورتِ حال پیدا ہو گئی تھی کیونکہ حکام یہ طے نہیں کر پا رہے تھے کہ فیس کس سے وصول کی جائے گی، رقم کیسے جمع ہو گی اور اس کا بوجھ براہِ راست شپنگ کمپنیوں یا خلیجی ممالک پر پڑے گا۔

رپورٹ کے مطابق خلیجی ممالک کی سفارتی کوششوں کے نتیجے میں ہی ٹرمپ نے صرف 24 گھنٹوں کے اندر اندر منصوبہ واپس لے لیا۔

انہوں نے منگل کے روز اپنے بیان میں کہا کہ خلیجی ممالک نے ٹول ادا کرنے کے بجائے امریکا میں سرمایہ کاری بڑھانے پر اتفاق کیا ہے۔

ٹرمپ نے وضاحت کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ مختلف ممالک کے بادشاہوں اور امیروں نے مجھ سے رابطہ کیا اور متبادل طریقۂ اختیار کرنے کی درخواست کی جسے میں نے قبول کر لیا ہے۔

وائٹ ہاؤس کے ایک عہدیدار کے مطابق ٹرمپ کا مؤقف تھا کہ امریکا برسوں سے خطے میں بحری جہازوں کی حفاظت کرتا آ رہا ہے اس لیے فیس کا خیال زیرِ غور تھا تاہم خلیجی ممالک کی جانب سے نئی سرمایہ کاری کی پیشکش کے بعد یہ منصوبہ ترک کر دیا گیا۔

رپورٹ کے مطابق ٹرمپ کے مشیروں نے کئی ماہ سے اس تجویز کی مخالفت کی تھی، انہیں خدشہ تھا کہ اس اقدام سے تیل اور گیس کی قیمتیں بڑھ سکتی ہیں۔

ٹرمپ کے مشیروں کو خدشہ تھا کہ وسط مدتی انتخابات سے قبل سیاسی مشکلات پیدا ہو سکتی ہیں اور یہ امریکا کے اس مؤقف کے بھی خلاف ہے کہ بین الاقوامی آبی گزرگاہوں پر کوئی ملک فیس عائد نہیں کر سکتا۔

یاد رہے کہ امریکی وزیرِ خارجہ مارکو روبیو نے بھی چند ہفتے قبل کہا تھا کہ بین الاقوامی آبی راستوں پر ٹول یا فیس وصول کرنا بین الاقوامی قانون کے خلاف ہے۔

امریکی میڈیا کا کہنا ہے کہ دوسری جانب ایران نے ٹرمپ کے اس بیان کو اپنے مؤقف کے حق میں استعمال کیا تھا۔

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that a permanent solution to the conflict with Iran lies in negotiations and a diplomatic agreement, rather than military action.

In a podcast interview, he argued that those against negotiating with Iran have no realistic alternative other than continuous and ineffective bombing.

The Vice President also contradicted President Donald Trump’s previous remarks, asserting that the United States will not deploy ground troops to Iran for regime change, emphasizing that any change in the government must be the decision of the Iranian people themselves.

He noted that while targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities was a short-term goal, the primary US priority is to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and ensure the uninterrupted global supply of oil and gas.

Furthermore, JD Vance reported that certain elements within the Israeli government have spent massive amounts of money on foreign influence campaigns in the US aimed at sabotaging a deal with Iran.

He added that despite this foreign influence campaign, he will always prioritize American interests.

This comes amid reports from an American newspaper, which cited US officials claiming that President Donald Trump had started considering sending ground troops to Iran.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that tensions between Iran and the United States do not benefit anyone, urging both sides to show restraint.

During a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi expressed Pakistan’s concern over the renewed tensions and noted they are closely monitoring the situation in the region.

He mentioned that Pakistan believes in the ongoing implementation of the memorandum of understanding and supports dialogue to resolve issues. Additionally, he stated that Pakistan backs uninterrupted trade and oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz.

The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s call for the continuous safety, security, and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that stability in this strategic waterway is crucial for global trade and energy security.

He pointed out that the ongoing crisis is disproportionately impacting many developing countries, especially in the Global South, by disrupting energy supplies, trade, and food security.

According to Andrabi, Pakistan recognizes the urgent need to reduce the economic impact of these tensions and hopes that normal shipping operations through the Strait will resume shortly.

Regional tensions have risen since Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading the United States to reinstate its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Increased military activity has further disrupted maritime traffic through this vital route, which previously carried nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments.

The disruption has driven international oil prices sharply higher, fueling inflation concerns worldwide. Pakistan earlier this month increased petrol and diesel prices by more than Rs13 per litre, while global crude prices climbed to their highest level in four weeks.

The Foreign Office said Islamabad remains actively engaged with regional partners to support dialogue, reduce tensions, and encourage a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The spokesperson highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent conversations with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he emphasized the importance of diplomacy and urged all sides to preserve hard-earned peace.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also maintained close contact with his Saudi and Iranian counterparts as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.

The renewed fighting since July 8 has cast uncertainty over the future of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, which sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for ending the conflict after an additional 60 days of negotiations.

US President Donald Trump recently declared the previous ceasefire effectively over while indicating that further negotiations remain possible.

Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded across the Gulf, with Iran launching attacks on US military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The latest strikes marked the most intense violence since the ceasefire reached between Tehran and Washington in April.

The conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has destabilized the Gulf region, while restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have continued to push global energy prices upward.

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے آبنائے ہرمز کی دوبارہ ناکہ بندی کا اعلان کردیا، جس کے مطابق ایرانی جہازوں پر پابندی ہوگی جبکہ دیگر ممالک کے کارگو جہازوں سے 20 فیصد فیس وصول کی جائی گی۔ 

سوشل میڈیا پر اپنے بیان میں امریکی صدر کا کہنا تھا کہ امریکا کو آبنائے ہرمز کے محافظ کے نام سے جانا جائے گا۔

انہوں نے کہا کہ ناکہ بندی صرف ایرانی بحری جہازوں اور ان کے گاہکوں کو روکے گی۔ ایران کے علاوہ دیگر ممالک کو آبنائے ہرمز آزادانہ استعمال کی مکمل اجازت ہوگی

ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا کہنا تھا کہ آبنائے ہرمز سے گزرنے والے تمام کارگو پر 20 فیصد کی شرح سے فیس لیں گے۔ آبنائے ہرمز کی ناکہ بندی اور نئے طریقہ کار کا عمل فوری شروع کیا جائے گا۔

خیال رہے کہ اس سے قبل امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے اپنے بیان میں کہا تھا کہ ہم آبنائے ہرمز پر کنٹرول حاصل کر رہے ہیں، ہم آبنائے ہرمز کے سرپرست بنیں گے۔

امریکی میڈیا سے گفتگو میں ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا کہنا تھا کہ ہمیں آبنائے ہرمز کی نگرانی کے عوض معاوضہ ملے گا۔ ہم آبنائے ہرمز کو اپنے پاس رکھیں گے اور شاید اسے ہم ہی چلائیں۔

اس پر ردِ عمل دیتے ہوئے ایران کی اعلیٰ مشترکہ فوجی کمان خاتم الانبیا ہیڈکوارٹرز نے کہا کہ ایران آبنائے ہرمز کے انتظامات میں امریکی مداخلت کی اجازت نہیں دے گا۔

ترجمان خاتم الانبیا ہیڈکوارٹرز نے اپنے بیان میں کہا تھا کہ ایرانی فوج کے ساتھ رابطہ کیے بغیر ہرمز میں امریکی انتظامی سرگرمی کی مزاحمت کریں گے۔