Latest news with #AzizNasirzadeh
News18
21 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Iran In Talks With China To Buy J-10C Fighter Jets After Russian Deal Fallout: Reports
Last Updated: Iran is reportedly in talks with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets after its Russian Su-35 deal fell through, leaving its air force under-equipped. Iran is looking to buy Chinese J-10C (Vigorous Dragon) fighter jets, multiple media reports have claimed. The move reportedly comes as Iran is looking to replenish its air force, days after its conflict with Israel. According to a report with the Russian Arms Telegram channel, the talks between Iran and China happened as Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh visited China, reportedly to explore the possibility of purchasing Chinese-made '4++ generation' J-10CE jets. These jets have demonstrated strong regional performance in Pakistan's fleet, the report claimed. Earlier, Iran's deal to procure fighter jets with Russia had collapsed, thus leaving Iran's air force vulnerable. According to The New Voice of Ukraine, the J-10C is a single-engine, multirole fighter often described as a budget version of the Western F-16V or Sweden's Gripen E. Unit prices of the jet range from $60 million for the base model to around $90 million when equipped with weapons, spare parts, training, and warranty support, it stated. In 2023, Iran signed a deal to acquire 50 Russian Su-35s but received only four before the remainder of the deliveries were frozen due to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. This isn't the first time Iran has negotiated with China over the J-10C. Talks in 2015 reportedly involved the potential purchase of up to 150 aircraft, but the deal collapsed due to the United Nations' arms embargoes and payment disputes. China insisted on hard currency, while Iran offered oil and gas in barter. Though the embargo was lifted in 2020, subsequent negotiations stalled over payment issues. Since April, Iran and the US have held talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Tehran says its program is peaceful, and Israel and its allies say they want to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon. 'We call for the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement that addresses Iran's nuclear program," the G7 foreign ministers said.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Iran Joins China and Russia in Security Talks After US Strikes
Iran's defense minister has made his first overseas visit since a deadly 12-day conflict with Israel, traveling to China for a gathering of top military officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security bloc led by Beijing and Moscow. The visit, amid ongoing volatility in the Middle East, signals Tehran's determination to deepen ties with powers outside the Western alliance system. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department for comment. Iran's attendance at the security summit underscores its continued alignment with China and Russia amid ongoing tensions with the U.S., as President Donald Trump seeks to revive potential nuclear talks. Arriving just days after American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Israel's unprecedented attacks, Tehran's presence reaffirms its reliance on alternative global alliances in defiance of Western pressure. By hosting the meeting, China positions the SCO as a growing counterweight to NATO, offering Iran and other members a platform to challenge U.S.-led military and diplomatic dominance amid mounting global instability. Iran's Aziz Nasirzadeh joined defense ministers from nine SCO member states-including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan-in Qingdao, a strategic Chinese naval base city. The two-day summit began soon after a fragile ceasefire paused deadly attacks between Iran and Israel that also involved the U.S. The meeting highlighted Tehran's push to deepen ties within the SCO as Western pressure intensifies, reinforcing its strategy of aligning with key regional powers. While Chinese officials have avoided direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, they offered rhetorical backing for Iran's stance. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, without naming the crisis, denounced "hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts"-a common Beijing critique of U.S. influence. In remarks reported by Chinese state media, Nasirzadeh thanked China for its "understanding and support" and urged it to help stabilize the region and uphold the ceasefire. Meanwhile, China significantly ramped up its imports of Iranian crude oil in June, driven by discounted prices and increased loadings from Iran. Independent Chinese refiners took advantage of lower global oil prices, contributing to the surge. According to data cited by Reuters, China imported a record 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian crude between June 1 and 20. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, President Trump wrote on social media that "China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran," adding, "Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also." Although Trump's statement suggested a possible easing of sanctions enforcement, the White House clarified that no formal lifting of sanctions has occurred, reflecting a nuanced U.S. stance balancing pressure on Iran with geopolitical realities. Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's Defense Minister: "[We] hope that China will continue to uphold justice and play an even greater role in maintaining the current ceasefire and easing regional tensions." Dong Jun, Chinese Defense Minister: "Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order." Iran's growing oil exports to China are vital amid the recent Iran-Israel conflict. Despite persistent sanctions, Tehran relies heavily on China as its largest buyer to sustain its economy and fund its regional activities. This deepening partnership challenges U.S. efforts to isolate Iran and highlights China's crucial role in supporting Tehran's economic and strategic resilience during heightened tensions. Related Articles US Missile Defenses Heavily Depleted in Shielding Israel: reportDemocrats Seek Limits on Trump's Military Authority in IranIranian Minister Contradicts Supreme Leader Khamenei on Nuclear DamageShock-and-Awe 'Midnight Hammer' Iran Strike Encapsulates Trump Doctrine | Opinion 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Joins China and Russia in Security Talks After US Strikes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's defense minister has made his first overseas visit since a deadly 12-day conflict with Israel, traveling to China for a gathering of top military officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security bloc led by Beijing and Moscow. The visit, amid ongoing volatility in the Middle East, signals Tehran's determination to deepen ties with powers outside the Western alliance system. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department for comment. Why It Matters Iran's attendance at the security summit underscores its continued alignment with China and Russia amid ongoing tensions with the U.S., as President Donald Trump seeks to revive potential nuclear talks. Arriving just days after American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Israel's unprecedented attacks, Tehran's presence reaffirms its reliance on alternative global alliances in defiance of Western pressure. By hosting the meeting, China positions the SCO as a growing counterweight to NATO, offering Iran and other members a platform to challenge U.S.-led military and diplomatic dominance amid mounting global instability. Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh looks on during the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defence ministers. The SCO consists of ten states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. It was originally... Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh looks on during the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defence ministers. The SCO consists of ten states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. It was originally founded in 2001 to combat terrorism and now also pursues goals such as security and economic cooperation, 26 June 2025, China, Qingdao. More Johannes Neudecker/AP Photo What to Know Iran's Aziz Nasirzadeh joined defense ministers from nine SCO member states—including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan—in Qingdao, a strategic Chinese naval base city. The two-day summit began soon after a fragile ceasefire paused deadly attacks between Iran and Israel that also involved the U.S. The meeting highlighted Tehran's push to deepen ties within the SCO as Western pressure intensifies, reinforcing its strategy of aligning with key regional powers. While Chinese officials have avoided direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, they offered rhetorical backing for Iran's stance. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, without naming the crisis, denounced "hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts"—a common Beijing critique of U.S. influence. In remarks reported by Chinese state media, Nasirzadeh thanked China for its "understanding and support" and urged it to help stabilize the region and uphold the ceasefire. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defence Minister Dauren Kossanov and China's Defence Minister Dong Jun gather for a group photo during the Defence Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation... India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defence Minister Dauren Kossanov and China's Defence Minister Dong Jun gather for a group photo during the Defence Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025. MoreOil Flows to China Meanwhile, China significantly ramped up its imports of Iranian crude oil in June, driven by discounted prices and increased loadings from Iran. Independent Chinese refiners took advantage of lower global oil prices, contributing to the surge. According to data cited by Reuters, China imported a record 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian crude between June 1 and 20. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, President Trump wrote on social media that "China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran," adding, "Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also." Although Trump's statement suggested a possible easing of sanctions enforcement, the White House clarified that no formal lifting of sanctions has occurred, reflecting a nuanced U.S. stance balancing pressure on Iran with geopolitical realities. Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.24.25 09:14 AM EST China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also. It was my Great Honor to make this happen! — Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 24, 2025 What People Are Saying Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's Defense Minister: "[We] hope that China will continue to uphold justice and play an even greater role in maintaining the current ceasefire and easing regional tensions." Dong Jun, Chinese Defense Minister: "Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order." What Happens Next Iran's growing oil exports to China are vital amid the recent Iran-Israel conflict. Despite persistent sanctions, Tehran relies heavily on China as its largest buyer to sustain its economy and fund its regional activities. This deepening partnership challenges U.S. efforts to isolate Iran and highlights China's crucial role in supporting Tehran's economic and strategic resilience during heightened tensions.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran's defense minister goes to China on first reported foreign trip since conflict with Israel
Iran's defense minister has traveled to diplomatic and economic ally China on his first reported trip abroad since a 12-day clash with Israel that briefly dragged the US into a new regional conflict. Aziz Nasirzadeh is one of nine defense ministers that Chinese state media say attended a gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a China- and Russia-led regional security grouping that has grown in prominence as Beijing and Moscow look to build alternative international blocs to those backed by the United States. The two-day gathering began Wednesday in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao, a day after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel quelled what had been days of aerial assaults between the two, punctuated by a US strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The SCO gathering coincided with a meeting of NATO leaders at The Hague, where US President Donald Trump said the US would meet with Iran 'next week' about a potential nuclear agreement. Beijing's gathering, part of events for its rotating SCO chairmanship, spotlighted China's role as a key international player, even as it remained largely on the sidelines of the Israel-Iran conflict – and the importance Tehran places on its relationship with Beijing. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun did not directly address the conflict in remarks to gathering nations Wednesday, as reported by Chinese state media, but aimed to position China as a country with an alternative vision for global security. 'Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order, making these practices the biggest sources of chaos and harm,' Dong said, employing language typically used by Beijing to criticize the US. The Chinese defense chief called for SCO countries – which, in addition to China and Russia, include India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus – to enhance coordination and 'defend international fairness and justice' and 'uphold global strategic stability.' Attending countries 'expressed a strong willingness to consolidate and develop military collaboration,' according to China's official news agency Xinhua. Iran's Nasirzadeh 'expressed gratitude to China for its understanding and support of Iran's legitimate stance,' Xinhua also reported. The minister 'hopes that China will continue to uphold justice and play an even greater role in maintaining the current ceasefire and easing regional tensions,' he was quoted as saying. Chinese officials have condemned Israel's unprecedented June 13 attack on Iran, which took out top military leaders and sparked the recent conflict, as well as the subsequent US bombing. It's also backed a ceasefire and criticized Washington's foray into the conflict as a 'heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.' A key diplomatic and economic backer of Iran, Beijing has moved to further deepen collaboration in recent years, including holding joint naval drills. Chinese officials have long voiced opposition to US sanctions on Iran and criticized the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. China remains by far Iran's largest energy buyer, though it has not reported purchases of Iranian oil in its official customs data since 2022, according to analysts. Chinese-made chemicals needed to produce missile fuel have been delivered to Iran in recent months, CNN reporting shows. In recent days, China has appeared unwilling to become further entangled in the conflict past its diplomatic efforts, analysts say, instead using the situation as another opportunity to paint itself as a responsible global player and the US as a force for instability. When asked at a regular Chinese Defense Ministry press briefing Thursday whether Beijing would consider providing material military support to Iran as an SCO member, ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang told CNN that 'China is willing to work with all parties to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.' Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to combat terrorism and promote border security, the SCO has grown in recent years in line with Beijing and Moscow's shared ambition to push back against a US alliance system they see as suppressing them. While not an alliance, the group says it aims to 'make joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.' The SCO has long been seen as limited, however, by overlapping interests and frictions between members, including Pakistan and India, which earlier this year engaged in a violent conflict, as well as China and India, which have longstanding border tensions. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also attended the Qingdao meeting, the first visit from an Indian defense chief to China since a deadly 2020 border clash between the two countries. CNN's Steven Jiang in Beijing and New Delhi bureau contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional information.
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
China hosts Iran and Russia for defence meeting
China hosted Iran 's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on Thursday for a meeting, a day after world leaders gathered for a Nato summit. The Iranian minister's visit to China was his first foreign trip since war broke out between his country and Israel. The meeting comes with a ceasefire between Iran and Israel appearing to hold after 12 days of fighting that stoked regional and global fears of wider escalation. The ministers attended an annual gathering of top defence officials of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation member states in the eastern seaside city of Qingdao. The China-led security bloc also includes Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Now in its 22nd edition, the meeting was hosted by China's Defence Minister Dong Jun. Beijing has long sought to present the 10-member SCO as a counterweight to Western-led power blocs and has pushed to strengthen collaboration between its member countries in politics, security, trade and science. The Iranian minister thanked China for its support during the attacks by Israel and the US. 'We hope China will continue to stand for justice, help maintain the current ceasefire and play a greater role in easing regional tensions,' he said, according to China's Xinhua news agency. The Kremlin on Tuesday rejected criticism that it had not done enough to back Iran in its war with Israel, saying it had taken a 'clear position' by condemning the US and Israeli strikes. Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran's Foreign Minister on Monday that US attacks on Iran were ' unprovoked and unjustified ' during a meeting in Moscow. China's President Xi Jinping had called for all parties, but 'especially Israel', to cease hostilities during a phone call with Mr Putin last week, Chinese state media reported. Chinese authorities were also reportedly in communication with Iran, Israel and various other parties to push for a ceasefire, ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a press briefing. The SCO meeting was also held the day after a summit of Nato leaders in The Hague, at which members agreed to ramp up their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP to satisfy US President Donald Trump. Discussions at the summit were largely overshadowed by the conflict in the Middle East, as Mr Trump demanded Israel and Iran respect the ceasefire he announced on June 24 and criticised both for breaching the deadline, before flying to the Netherlands. The US leader also announced that his country and Iran were preparing for talks next week, claiming his strikes had brought Tehran to the table. 'We're going to talk to them next week – with Iran – we may sign an agreement. I don't know, to me, I don't think it's necessary,' he said. 'The way I look at it, they fought, the war is done.'
