The US F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran last month was targeted using a shoulder-fired missile manufactured in China. (Image X )
Washington: The US F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran last month was targeted using a shoulder-fired missile manufactured in China. This intelligence report has caused an uproar in the United States. It also exposes a military alliance between Iran and China—a matter of significant concern for the US. This was the same aircraft incident that forced the U.S. to commit its full resources to a rescue mission for its pilot. The operation resulted in the loss of several US aircraft and helicopters, although the pilot was successfully rescued.
Citing a U.S. official familiar with the matter and another individual, NBC News reported that, during the early stages of the conflict, China may also have supplied Iran with a long-range "early-warning radar." This radar is capable of detecting "stealth" aircraft—planes specifically designed to evade detection. Sources indicated that U.S. officials are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the downing of the US F-15E "Strike Eagle" aircraft in April. It marked the first time in decades that a U.S. fighter jet had been shot down by enemy fire.
It remains unclear exactly when China delivered this military hardware to Iran. However, Iran's use of Chinese-made weaponry further complicates U.S. relations with Beijing—particularly at a time when President Donald Trump has sought China's assistance in bringing an end to this conflict. Negotiations to end the war are ongoing, even as the U.S. continues to carry out strikes it characterizes as "defensive" attacks.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration secured a ceasefire with Iran ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled with President Xi Jinping. As the primary purchaser of Iran's oil exports, Chinese leaders have asserted that this war must come to an end. During his visit to China, Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio stated, "At some level, we cannot remain unaffected by the impact of global oil prices, as we, too, purchase oil from the global market; however, other countries around the world are paying a far higher price for it." He added, "They, too, will have to get involved in this matter."
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