In a development that has heightened geopolitical tensions, several Boeing 747 cargo planes departing from China and heading toward Iran have raised significant concerns about potential covert support amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

According to reports from Fox News, these “mystery transport planes” were detected on FlightRadar24, fueling speculation that China may be assisting Iran during a period of intense military activity targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The flights, which began on June 14, 2025, involved at least five Boeing 747s tracked leaving China for Iran over the course of a week.

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The aircraft followed a consistent route, flying westward along northern China, crossing into Kazakhstan, then moving south through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before disappearing from radar as they approached Iranian airspace.

Notably, the flight plans listed Luxembourg as the final destination, yet none of the planes were observed entering European airspace, adding to the mystery surrounding their true purpose.

Aviation experts cited by Fox News noted that Boeing 747 freighters are commonly used for transporting heavy-duty military equipment under government contracts, prompting fears that China may be supplying Iran with weapons or other strategic materials.

Robert Greenway, a Heritage Foundation expert and former National Security Council adviser, suggested on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle that Iran could be using these planes to transport “regime valuables” or other critical assets to safe havens as the conflict with Israel intensifies.

The timing of these flights is particularly significant, as they coincided with Israel’s sustained airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which began on June 13, 2025.

Israel’s operations have targeted over 250 sites, including key facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, aiming to disrupt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran has retaliated with missile salvos, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in Israel.

The conflict has placed the Middle East on the brink of a broader regional war, with global powers closely monitoring the situation.

China’s potential involvement is viewed through the lens of its long-standing strategic partnership with Iran, formalized in a 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021.

This partnership encompasses energy, infrastructure, and military technology, with China serving as Iran’s largest trading partner and primary buyer of its oil, accounting for nearly 90% of Iranian crude exports.

Fox News reported that University of Tehran Professor Mohammad Marandi described the agreement as a roadmap for long-term relations, signaling to the United States that increased isolation efforts would only drive China and Iran closer together.

However, the exact nature of the cargo remains unverified, as cargo manifests are not publicly disclosed, and independent inspections have not been conducted.

While some speculate that the planes could be carrying military supplies, others suggest they may be involved in evacuating personnel or assets.

The lack of transparency, coupled with the planes’ deceptive flight patterns—such as turning off transponders near Iranian airspace—has intensified suspicions about China’s intentions.

China’s Foreign Ministry has publicly condemned Israel’s strikes, expressing “deep concern” over the violation of Iranian sovereignty and warning of the risk of regional escalation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for a ceasefire, while President Xi Jinping called for all parties, particularly Israel, to halt hostilities.

These statements align with China’s broader diplomatic stance of opposing Western dominance and supporting a multipolar world order, a vision shared with Iran.

The mysterious flights have drawn attention to China’s delicate balancing act. While Beijing has historically supplied Iran with missile components and drone technology, experts believe China is cautious about direct involvement in the conflict, as it could jeopardize efforts to stabilize relations with the United States, Israel’s key ally.

Andrea Ghiselli, a lecturer at the University of Exeter specializing in China’s Middle East relations, told The Telegraph that the flights “cannot but generate a lot of interest” due to expectations that China might aid Iran, though he noted that overt military support would complicate China’s diplomatic goals.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has maintained a cautious yet firm stance, affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while urging de-escalation.

Trump has reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, hinting at the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, such as the Fordow site, though he has kept his intentions ambiguous.

Fox News reported Trump stating, “I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do,” underscoring the uncertainty surrounding U.S. involvement.

As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to unfold, the mysterious Chinese flights have become a focal point of global scrutiny.

They highlight the complex interplay of economic, military, and diplomatic interests in the Middle East, with China’s actions potentially reshaping the regional balance of power.

Without concrete evidence of the planes’ cargo, speculation will persist, but the implications of China’s involvement—whether logistical or strategic—could have far-reaching consequences for the ongoing crisis.