WASHINGTON (Diya TV)— U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has asked senior Trump administration officials to explain reports that China plans to supply Iran with hundreds of shoulder-fired air defense missiles.
Krishnamoorthi warned that the reported transfer could increase risks for American troops in the Middle East. He also urged the Trump administration to change its approach to the conflict with Iran.
In a letter dated Aug. 6, Krishnamoorthi asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe to provide answers about China’s reported military support for Iran.
Public reports cited in the letter say China agreed to send an initial batch of 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, to Iran. The weapons could help Iran rebuild air defenses damaged during the conflict.
Krishnamoorthi said the reported deal raises serious security concerns. He also said it appears to conflict with assurances from Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping to President Donald Trump.
“Public reports from this week indicate that the PRC signed a deal to ship an initial batch of 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran,” Krishnamoorthi said in his letter.
The reported weapons include Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 systems, according to the letter. A Hong Kong-based company could help move the systems to Iran, the reports said.
MANPADS can target aircraft, helicopters and low-flying drones. As a result, the systems could create a greater threat for U.S. troops and American security partners operating in the region.
Krishnamoorthi serves as a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also serves on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The Illinois Democrat has previously raised concerns about China’s military support for Iran. However, he said the latest reports have increased those concerns.
At the same time, Krishnamoorthi criticized the administration’s wider Iran strategy. He called for an end to what he described as a “needless and destructive war.”
He said the conflict could hurt the U.S. economy and put American servicemembers in greater danger. He also argued that the war has damaged the United States’ global reputation.
Furthermore, Krishnamoorthi said China must not provide military support that strengthens Iran’s military capabilities. He urged the State Department and White House to make that position clear to Beijing.
The congressman asked the administration to provide detailed information by Aug. 16, 2026. He wants officials to explain how much China is helping Iran rebuild its military forces.
He also wants information about other possible arms deals between China and Iran. In addition, he asked what steps U.S. officials are taking to protect American troops and military equipment from MANPADS and similar weapons.
Krishnamoorthi also raised questions about weapons moving through Pakistan. He asked whether U.S. intelligence agencies can track arms shipments traveling overland through the country.
Moreover, he wants officials to determine how much Pakistani leaders knew about the reported China-Iran deal. He also asked whether U.S. intelligence agencies have enough resources to monitor similar threats in the future.
Finally, Krishnamoorthi requested a classified briefing for lawmakers. The briefing would cover the reported MANPADS agreement, Chinese military and intelligence support for Iran, and efforts by the CIA, State Department and Defense Department to prevent threats to U.S. servicemembers.
