China sent Iran components that could be used in drones — Jerusalem Post

China, according to Iranian customs statistics, sent Iran’s Ministry of Defense about 1,300 shipments of dual-use components and chemical compounds. They can be used for drones, missile guidance systems and ballistic missiles, The Jerusalem Post reports, citing an investigation by The Wall Street Journal.

Supplies for the defense ministry

According to the WSJ, Iran also receives intelligence support and electronic components for military purposes from China. Iranian officials did not respond to the newspaper’s requests for comment on this information.

U.S. officials cited by the WSJ said that Chinese banks and intermediary companies helped Tehran circumvent U.S. sanctions, providing the Iranian regime with billions of dollars. A U.S. Treasury Department representative told the newspaper that President Donald Trump’s administration had repeatedly taken action against Iran-related activity that uses or passes through Chinese jurisdiction.

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Satellite imagery and oil trade

Earlier this month, the WSJ reported that before the July 17 missile strike on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, Iran received high-resolution satellite imagery of the U.S. base from Chinese sources. According to the outlet, Washington links the imagery to the attack that killed three U.S. service members, but has not confirmed the direct involvement of the Chinese government.

Reuters also reported that Iran uses a scheme under which oil is exchanged for credits to purchase Chinese goods, including military equipment. According to the agency’s sources, this mechanism enabled Tehran to circumvent restrictions on oil sales. In July, Reuters wrote that Iran was expecting the first shipment of up to 400 portable Chinese air-defense missile launchers worth between $60 million and $70 million.