Enabling Iran: A Timeline of China's Role During and After Operation Epic Fury
The conflict involving the United States and Iran has renewed attention on Iran’s military capabilities and regional activities, but China’s role in enabling Iran often receives less scrutiny. Over the past several decades, the China-Iran relationship has evolved from one of limited cooperation into a broad strategic partnership spanning economic, diplomatic, and security ties. Although China has largely refrained from selling weapons directly to Iran since the mid-2000s, Beijing’s support for Tehran has continued in other forms. China has provided significant economic, technological, and diplomatic support that has helped Iran mitigate international sanctions, sustain oil exports, and acquire dual-use technologies necessary for Iran’s drones, ballistic missiles, and other weapons. At the same time, China has calibrated this support to preserve its broader political and economic interests in the Middle East. As one of Iran’s most important international partners, Beijing plays a critical—though often overlooked—role in sustaining Iran’s capacity to destabilize the region and in attempting to shape the strategic environment surrounding the conflict.
The timeline below begins on February 28, 2026, the date Operation Epic Fury began, and tracks key Chinese actions, official statements, and other developments related to the conflict and its aftermath. It builds on the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report chapter entitled “Axis of Autocracy: China’s Revisionist Ambitions with Russia, Iran, and North Korea” and the Commission staff China-Iran Fact Sheet: A Short Primer on the Relationship, released on March 16, 2026, both of which examined the broader China-Iran relationship and the latter of which tracked developments during the conflict’s initial weeks. Extending these analyses, this timeline documents how Beijing has continued to enable Iran through its economic, diplomatic, and other activities. This timeline will be updated regularly as events continue to unfold.
Entries are organized into the following categories:
[Action]: Chinese government activity that impacts Iran
[Sanctions]: U.S. sanctions on China-based persons and entities related to providing illicit support to Iran
[Economic/Trade]: Chinese economic and trade support to Iran
[Military/Defense]: Chinese defense relations with Iran
[Statement]: Statements by Chinese government officials on Iran, Iran-related conflicts, or China-Iran relations
[Media]: Chinese media stories reflecting official positions and censorship guidelines on Iran; U.S. and international media coverage of China’s efforts to support Iran
[Event]: Major international events or meetings involving China, Iran, and other relevant actors
[Timeline in reverse order, most recent event on top]
July 4, 2026
[Statement] Bloomberg reported that Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Fazli said at the World Peace Forum in Beijing that Iran would grant China “special considerations” when setting future service fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz because China is a “friendly country.”
July 3, 2026
[Event] Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress He Wei attended the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and met with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Ghalibaf. Iranian leaders thanked China, stating that “Iran will remember China’s long-term valuable support” and is willing to strengthen relations to a “new level.”
June 24, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and pushed for U.S.-Iran negotiations to consolidate the ceasefire, restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and ensure the Middle East is no longer an arena for great power rivalry.
June 23, 2026
[Event] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at the BRICS Meeting on National Security in New Delhi on lessons from the U.S.-Iran conflict, including the importance of upholding international rules, respecting national sovereignty, establishing a new security concept, and understanding new forms of information and cyber warfare.
June 22, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Security Council official Ghadir Nezamipour, stating that China “welcomes the launch of follow-up consultations” between the United States and Iran as well as the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding.
[Event] Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Fazli signed the International Court of Mediation Convention in Beijing, joining the China-backed International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), which aims to use voluntary mediation to settle political and economic disputes as an alternative to litigation and arbitration.
June 18, 2026
[Statement] During a press conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Foreign Minister Wang Yi held “more than 30 phone calls or meetings” with regional officials since the conflict began and welcomed the signed U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding as having “positive significance for easing tensions.” Lin Jian also stated that China is willing to “consolidate and deepen political mutual trust with Iran, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and continue to advance the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.”
June 17, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about the first-phase Memorandum of Understanding reached between Iran and the United States. Wang Yi stressed that all parties must “truly implement their commitments and eliminate interference from all sides.”
June 16, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, congratulating Pakistan on facilitating the first-phase Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States. Wang Yi stated that the second phase of negotiations will be more difficult, but there should be no turning back or resumption of force, and the UN Security Council should play a greater role in supporting negotiations.
[Statement] Chinese Special Envoy Zhai Jun met with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi and discussed General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and the need to enhance “communication and coordination” with regional countries like Qatar.
June 15, 2026
[Statement] During a press conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “China welcomes the U.S. and Iran reaching agreement on the text of the Memorandum of Understanding for the first phase of negotiations and commends Pakistan’s mediation efforts.” In response to a question on China’s involvement in the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Lin Jian said General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four propositions on peace and stability in the Middle East “played an important role in building global consensus.”
June 10, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned nine China- and Hong Kong-based entities and individuals for facilitating financial transactions and weapons procurement on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
June 9, 2026
[Action] China opposed efforts by France, Germany, and the UK to invoke the UN “snapback” mechanism against Iran. Established under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the provision allows participating nations to restore international sanctions if Iran is found to be non-compliant with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. China argued that the operative provisions of Resolution 2231 expired in October 2025 and that the UN Security Council had terminated its review of Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
May 29, 2026
[Military/Defense] NBC News, citing anonymous U.S. officials, reported that the F-15 fighter plane shot down over southwestern Iran in April was probably struck by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile.
May 28, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned several Hong Kong-based companies operating on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan, the oil sales arm of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff. Treasury reported that the companies helped transport, store, finance, or facilitate shadow fleet deliveries of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products to Chinese buyers.
[Statement] On the sidelines of the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in New York and stated that “Pakistan is a reliable and qualified mediator” for U.S.-Iran negotiations. Dar stated that the five-point plan proposed by Pakistan and China received widespread support in the Gulf region.
May 26, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered media questions on the sidelines of the UN Security Council, advocating for General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal for “maintaining and promoting peace in the Middle East” and emphasizing support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, human rights, security, territorial integrity, and the implementation of “provisions of nuclear non-proliferation regimes.”
May 20, 2026
[Event] Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu met with leaders of the Iran-China Friendship Association and emphasized China’s role in promoting peace talks and providing political support and humanitarian aid.
May 19, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned several China-, United Arab Emirates (UAE)-, and Hong Kong-based companies for operating within the financial network of Amin Exchange. Amin Exchange, a foreign-exchange house, is a major player in the Iranian regime’s shadow banking network and a key node in enabling Iranian banks, oil companies, and petrochemical exporters to evade sanctions.
[Event] Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu attended a handover ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Iran for aid provided by the Chinese Embassy in Iran.
[Event] At a UN Security Council emergency meeting, Ambassador Fu Cong condemned a drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant that was suspected to originate from Iran. Fu Cong also argued that the “current conflict in the Middle East originated from the illegal attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.”
May 18, 2026
[Statement] Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu met with Secretary General of the Islamic Coalition Party of Iran, one of Iran’s oldest conservative parties with longstanding ties to the Islamic Republic’s political and commercial establishment. Ambassador Cong emphasized that “China is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the Coalition Party and promote the continuous deepening of China-Iran relations.”
May 15, 2026
[Statement] In response to a reporter’s question about President Donald Trump’s visit to China, a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated that the conflict involving Iran has caused “serious losses to the people of countries in the region ... and its spillover effects continue to expand, severely impacting global economic development, supply chain operations, international trade order, and the stability of global energy supply.” The spokesperson emphasized that China had been “working tirelessly to end the conflict” and referenced General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal and a joint China-Pakistan five-point initiative.
May 13, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and reiterated China’s “principled position.” Wang Yi expressed hope that “Pakistan would maintain its confidence, intensify its mediation efforts, and contribute to a proper resolution of the Strait of Hormuz opening issue.” He also suggested that China and Pakistan “advance the all-weather strategic partnership to a new level.”
May 8, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of State sanctioned three China-based entities for supporting Iran’s military activities during Operation Epic Fury. The State Department reported that MizarVision, The Earth Eye, and Chuang Guang published open source imagery of U.S. military activity during Operation Epic Fury and supplied satellite imagery of U.S. and allied military facilities to Iranian forces that enabled Iran’s military strikes against U.S. forces in the Middle East.
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned the China-based company Yushita for facilitating Iranian weapons acquisition, including efforts by Iran to acquire Chinese shoulder-launched missiles. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also sanctioned the China-based company Hitex Insulation for supplying carbon fiber, honeycomb fabric, and other raw aerospace-grade materials to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.
May 6, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing where he promoted General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and reiterated support for Iran’s sovereignty and security. Wang Yi said China “appreciates Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons” but recognized Iran’s right to pursue peaceful use of nuclear energy.
May 2, 2026
[Sanctions] China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a formal blocking order declaring that U.S. sanctions imposed on five Chinese companies for purchasing or processing Iranian oil constituted an improper extraterritorial application of U.S. law. The order prohibits individuals and entities in China from recognizing, implementing, or complying with relevant U.S. sanctions.
May 1, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of State sanctioned Qingdao Haiye, a China-based petroleum terminal operator, for allegedly importing tens of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil. The State Department reported that the company accepted cargo from multiple vessels that conducted illicit ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian-origin crude off the coast of Singapore.
April 28, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued an advisory warning to U.S. financial institutions of sanctions risks associated with Chinese independent “teapot” refineries in Shandong Province due to their continued imports of Iranian crude oil.
April 25, 2026
[Statement] At a BRICS consultation in New Delhi, Chinese Special Envoy Zhai Jun described the Middle East as being at a critical juncture with “deteriorating regional security.” Zhai Jun pushed for General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal and expressed that BRICS countries must inject positive, stable, and constructive forces for peace in the Middle East.
April 24, 2026
[Sanctions] The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions on China-based Hengli Petrochemical Refinery along with several China-based shipping companies and vessels. Treasury stated that Chinese independent oil refineries, known as “teapot” refineries, purchase the majority of Iran’s crude oil exports and provide a vital source of revenue to the Iranian regime and its armed forces.
April 22, 2026
[Media] Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Lao Liqiang gave an interview to Egypt’s Nile TV promoting General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal on “maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.”
April 20, 2026
[Statement] General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping held a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. In a press release, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, regarding the conflict in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term stability in the region.
April 19, 2026
[Media] Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei published an article in Iraq’s Al-Sabaah newspaper promoting General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four proposals for “maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.” Cui Wei’s article argued that U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran severely impacted security and stability in the region.
April 17, 2026
[Military/Defense] A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK was asked about a Financial Times report that Iran used a spy satellite manufactured and launched by a Chinese company to monitor U.S. military bases in the Middle East. The spokesperson denied the report and replied, “China firmly opposes those who fabricate rumors linking China to the conflict.”
April 16, 2026
[Media] Chargé d'Affaires at China’s Palestinian Office Li Xin published an article in the Palestine News Network promoting General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal. Li Xin’s article stated that the United States’ and Israel’s attacks on Iran during the negotiation process severely violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations.
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign MinisterAntonio Tajani in Beijing and expressed that “the war between the United States and Israel against Iran should not have happened.”
[Media] China’s Ambassador to EgyptLao Liqiang published an article in Egyptian media outlet Al-Gomhuria introducing General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and commending China’s diplomatic efforts. Lao Liqiang referred to China and Egypt as “important members of the Global South” committed to “true multilateralism.”
April 15, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stating that China “supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity” and that, based on the spirit of General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal, China was “willing to continue promoting the easing of tensions.”
[Media] Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin presented General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal “for peace and stability in the Middle East” in a written interview to the Kuwaiti Arabic-language newspapers Al-Torch and Al-Rai. He mentioned Wang Yi’s calls with over 30 foreign ministers and Chinese Special Envoy Zhai Jun’s efforts to conduct shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East.
[Military/Defense] Fox Businessreported that President Donald Trump asked General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping in a letter not to give Iran weapons, to which Xi Jinping responded with a claim he was “not doing that.”
[Military/Defense] The Financial Times reported on the basis of leaked Iranian documents that the IRGC secretly acquired a Chinese spy satellite known as TEE-01B that was used to monitor key U.S. military sites in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Djibouti, Oman, the UAE, and Iraq before and after drone strikes. The unusual “in-orbit delivery” of a satellite launched from China also granted the IRGC access to commercial ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based provider of satellite control and data services with a global network.
April 11, 2026
[Military/Defense] CNN reported that China was preparing to deliver MANPADS (shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems) to Iran “within the next few weeks.” President Donald Trump said during a press conference that a U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran was hit by a “handheld shoulder missile,” while Iran said it had used a “new” air defense system to down the aircraft. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said, “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.” The spokesperson added, “We urge the U.S. side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.”
April 8, 2026
[Action] TheNew York Times reported that China pushed Iran to accept a two-week ceasefire deal with the United States. According to Iranian officials, China asked Iran to show flexibility and defuse tensions. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied China’s involvement in the deal.
[Statement] In response to a question regarding the Iranian ambassador’s call for China to become a guarantor of security in the Middle East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning said that “China hopes all parties can properly resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation. China will also maintain communication with all parties and continue to make efforts to ease the situation and fully end the conflict.”
April 7, 2026
[Action] China vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council that called for countries to cooperate in taking defensive action to open the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Fu Cong said that passing the resolution “at a time when the United States is openly threatening the very survival of a civilization … would send an extremely wrong message and have very serious consequences.”
April 4, 2026
[Military/Defense] TheWashington Post reported that Chinese firms, including MizarVision and Jing’an Technology, publicly marketed AI-enabled analysis of open source satellite imagery and flight and ship data related to U.S. military facilities and equipment in the Middle East during the Iran war. The article found that some of the firms hold certifications permitting work with the People’s Liberation Army.
April 2, 2026
[Statement] Ambassador Fu Cong stated at a UN Security Council open meeting on cooperation between the UN and the Gulf Cooperation Council that authorizing member states to use force would amount to legitimizing the “illegal and abusive use of force, which will inevitably escalate the situation further.” He continued that “military force cannot bring peace; political resolution is the fundamental way forward.”
March 27, 2026
[Economic/Trade] Reuters reported that China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) supplied chipmaking equipment to Iran’s military-industrial sector. Reuters cited anonymous U.S. officials who stated that shipments began roughly a year earlier and that they had “no reason to believe that any of this has stopped.”
March 12, 2026
[Economic/Trade] Bloomberg reported that Chinese authorities directed major refiners to suspend exports of refined oil products, halt the signing of new export contracts, and cancel previously agreed cargoes to cope with the impact of war in the Middle East. Shipments that did not complete customs clearance by March 11 were no longer permitted to leave China.
March 11, 2026
[Action] China abstained from voting on Bahrain’s UN Security Council resolution (S/2026/155) condemning Iran’s attacks against the Gulf states. China instead voted for the Russia-sponsored alternative resolution calling for the end of conflict without specifying countries. Ambassador Fu Cong explained in a speech that “China does not endorse Iran’s attacks against the Arab Gulf States” but the resolution “does not fully reflect the root causes and the overall picture of the conflict in a balanced manner.” The Bahrain-sponsored resolution passed, and the Russian alternative resolution failed.
[Military/Defense] Al Jazeera reported that Iran may be using the Chinese BeiDou satellite navigation system, an alternative to the U.S.-owned GPS, to target Israeli and United States military assets in the Middle East. Intelligence analysts pointed to the remarkable precision and increased accuracy of Iranian missiles as evidence of its use.
March 8, 2026
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions during a press conference, calling China’s attitude on the Iran conflict “objective and impartial.” Wang Yi stated that five principles must be observed: respecting national sovereignty, rejecting the abuse of force, noninterference, promoting negotiation, and the constructive role of major countries. Responding to a CNN reporter’s question about U.S.-China relations, Wang Yi said that the two countries should avoid conflict and strive for cooperation, citing President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing as an example of maintaining good relations.
March 7, 2026
[Economic/Trade] TheWashington Post reported that two Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines-owned cargo vessels departed the Gaolan Port chemical terminal in Zhuhai, China, bound for Iran. Citing shipping data, satellite imagery, and expert analysis, the article said the vessels were likely carrying sodium perchlorate, a key precursor used in solid rocket fuel for missiles.
March 5, 2026
[Event] Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu visited the Embassy of Iran in China to offer condolences on the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
March 2, 2026
[Statement] Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning responded to press questions, stating that China is “deeply concerned about the spillover of the war.” When asked how China—as a UN Security Council permanent member with veto power—would respond to the conflict, Mao Ning called for an immediate halt to military operations and stated that China is “willing to work with the international community to actively persuade peace.” In response to a question on the agreement for Iran to purchase China’s CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile, Mao Ning denied reports and said China opposes malicious speculation.
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about the new wave of U.S. strikes amid ongoing negotiations. Wang Yi said Iran should “pay attention to the legitimate concerns of neighboring countries” as well as “safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran.”
[Event] Ambassador Li Song attended an International Atomic Energy Agency special meeting and stated that China opposes U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran and that the international community should oppose the world’s regression to the “law of the jungle.”
March 1, 2026
[Statement] A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “seriously violates Iran’s sovereignty and security” and that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the assassination.
[Statement] Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and reiterated that China’s position is to “immediately cease military operations,” as China attaches great importance to the security of Gulf countries. Lavrov stated that Russia and China share the same position and Russia is willing to coordinate with China through the UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
February 28, 2026
[Statement] A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China is “highly concerned about U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran” and called for an immediate halt to military actions.
[Statement] Ambassador Fu Cong spoke at a UN Security Council emergency meeting, emphasizing that the sovereignty of Iran and other countries must be respected, all parties must abide by the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law must be followed.