The United States has claimed that Iran’s military may have received chipmaking technology and support from China, raising fresh concerns amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to US officials, China’s largest semiconductor company, SMIC, has supplied chipmaking tools to Iran over the past year, with shipments possibly still ongoing.
Officials further stated that the cooperation may have included technical training in semiconductor technology, potentially strengthening Iran’s military-industrial capabilities.
The disclosures were made by senior members of the Trump administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity. However, they did not confirm whether the equipment contained US-origin technology, which could constitute a violation of American sanctions on Iran.
The development comes at a time of heightened conflict following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical situation.
China has not directly responded to the allegations but has maintained that it engages in normal commercial trade with Iran, denying any involvement in military-related cooperation.
Analysts warn that the claims could further strain already tense relations between Washington and Beijing, particularly as the US continues efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology.