Israel-Iran War: Chinese cargo planes have reportedly landed in Iran under mysterious circumstances, despite Iran’s airspace being officially closed due to ongoing hostilities with Israel. The aircraft allegedly turned off their transponders before entering Iranian airspace, rendering them invisible to radar and commercial tracking systems. This secret move suggests a covert mission to deliver military supplies, likely in the wake of the escalating regional conflict.

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The planes were reportedly carrying military supplies or restricted goods, potentially reinforcing Iran’s defence capabilities amid its standoff with Israel. The secrecy surrounding the landings, including the transponder shutdowns and unannounced arrivals in Tehran, suggests coordination at the highest levels between the two countries.

China’s growing role in Iran’s conflict

The secret flights come against the backdrop of China’s strong public condemnation of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a recent wave of strikes on Iranian military sites. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed “deep concern” over the attacks and emphasised Beijing’s opposition to violations of Iranian sovereignty and actions that could intensify the conflict.

“China is closely monitoring Israeli attacks on Iran and is deeply concerned about the possible serious consequences of the operation,” Jian said in a post on X. 

Beijing urges evacuation 

As tensions surged, the Chinese embassy in Tel Aviv issued an evacuation advisory for Chinese nationals, citing worsening security conditions and the closure of Israeli airspace. The embassy urged immediate departure via land routes into Jordan, warning of a “sharp increase in civilian casualties” and “a deteriorating security environment.”

Tehran’s nuclear warning

Meanwhile, Iran has responded aggressively to the strikes, with its government threatening to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a move that would upend decades of nuclear diplomacy. A spokesperson said Tehran was “considering all options,” a thinly veiled threat indicating the regime’s growing frustration and willingness to escalate.

China-Iran ties under scrutiny

The reported arms transfer underscores the deep strategic relationship between China and Iran. The two countries signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021, covering energy, infrastructure, and military technology. China is Iran’s top trading partner and the largest buyer of its oil, thus accounting for nearly 90% of Iranian crude exports, often via indirect channels to bypass US sanctions.

Despite a decline in official arms sales since 2005, China continues to supply Iran with missile components, drone technology, and technical support. Joint naval drills with Russia further signal Beijing and Tehran’s alignment on creating a multipolar world order that challenges Western dominance.

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The unannounced cargo landings point to more than just a logistical manoeuvre. They symbolise deepening military cooperation and shared defiance against Western-led pressure.