China’s largest chipmaker SMIC has sent semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Iran’s military, according to two senior officials from the Trump administration, raising questions over Beijing’s position in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Tehran.

The officials said SMIC, which is listed in Hong Kong and has been subject to U.S. sanctions over alleged ties to the Chinese military, began transferring chipmaking tools to Iran roughly a year ago. They added that there is no indication the transfers have stopped.

The reported shipments come amid heightened tensions in the region following a month-long conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The development adds a new dimension to concerns in Washington over China’s role and its alignment in global geopolitical disputes.

SMIC has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. authorities in recent years, with restrictions imposed over national security concerns related to advanced semiconductor technologies and their potential military applications. The company has not publicly responded to the latest allegations at the time of reporting.

The claims have not been independently verified. Beijing and Tehran have maintained closer economic and political ties in recent years, though China has also sought to present itself as a neutral actor in Middle Eastern conflicts.

The U.S. officials said the continued movement of sensitive technology underscores broader concerns about the proliferation of advanced manufacturing tools and their possible use in military programs. (ILKHA)