Iranian Opposition Claims: China and Russia Transferred Hundreds of Shoulder-Launched Missiles to Iran

Iran has received hundreds of shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles from Russia and China during the recent lull, according to a report by the American website Al-Hurra, citing Kurdish and Arab opposition sources. The shipments included about 300 Verba 9K333 missiles that arrived via the Caspian Sea and were distributed by the Revolutionary Guards. Additionally, shoulder-launched missiles were transferred to pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, and China approached the Houthis to ensure safe navigation.

Iran has received hundreds of shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles from Russia and China during the recent lull, according to a report published today (Friday) on the American website Al-Hurra, citing Kurdish and Arab opposition sources in the Ahvaz district. According to the report, the shipments included about 300 Verba 9K333 shoulder-launched missiles that arrived in five small containers via the Caspian Sea and were distributed by the Revolutionary Guards. The missiles were dispersed near bases and sensitive sites in Tehran, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and border bases near Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, additional shoulder-launched missiles were transferred to pro-Iranian militias in Iraq over the past two weeks. About a week ago, Reuters reported that Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment from China of up to 400 shoulder-launched launchers, which are part of its air defense array, in a deal estimated at $60-70 million. It was also noted that China directly approached the Houthi rebels to allow Chinese oil tankers to sail safely through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to confirm such talks, although a ministry spokesperson today called for maintaining the security of shipping routes.