A series of mysterious cargo flights from China has raised concerns about covert support for Iran as its conflict with Israel intensifies. According to The Telegraph, at least three Boeing 747 freighters—commonly used for transporting military goods—departed Chinese cities on consecutive days following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The aircraft were publicly tracked flying west through Central Asia before disappearing near Iranian airspace. Though officially listed as bound for Luxembourg, none continued toward Europe. Cargolux, the Luxembourg-based airline operating the planes, confirmed they did not enter Iranian airspace but refused to disclose cargo details. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation, with Middle East–China expert Andrea Ghiselli noting the flights are “bound to generate interest,” especially given expectations that China could quietly aid Iran.

China and Iran have long maintained a strategic partnership aimed at counterbalancing U.S. influence, with Beijing historically supplying Tehran with arms and missile components. Though formal weapons sales have diminished due to international sanctions, concerns persist over “dual-use” technologies that can serve both civilian and military functions. On Fox News, former Trump NSC adviser Robert Greenway speculated the flights could be transporting sensitive materials or safeguarding “regime valuables.” Meanwhile, Israel has escalated its military operations, striking Iranian missile sites in retaliation for a deadly attack on southern Israel. President Trump, when pressed on whether he would authorize a strike on Iran, gave a deliberately vague answer: “I may do it, I may not do it.” The ambiguity, combined with the unexplained Chinese flights, underscores the high-stakes uncertainty surrounding the region’s escalating crisis.