Chinese companies have been discussing arms sales with Iran, plotting to ship weapons through third countries to conceal their origins, U.S. officials say. Intelligence agencies have gathered information about these talks between Chinese firms and Iranian officials. It's unclear how many weapons, if any, have actually been delivered or whether Beijing has formally approved the transfers.

The timing is politically sensitive—President Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday for high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Trump said he wrote to Xi asking him not to allow arms transfers to Iran, and Xi responded saying he wouldn't. U.S. officials believe Chinese efforts to provide military equipment to Tehran are unacceptable and want the Chinese government to block any transfers.

Beyond potential weapons, China has provided Iran with intelligence and access to a spy satellite tracking U.S. forces in the region. China also supplies dual-use components—semiconductors, sensors, voltage converters—needed for drone and missile production. China purchases roughly 80% of Iran's oil exports, giving Beijing significant leverage in the relationship.