China prepares to assist Iran
According to three sources familiar with US intelligence, China may be preparing to provide Iran with financial assistance, spare parts and missile components.
Beijing has not yet taken direct part in the war. China is heavily dependent on Iranian oil supplies and is reportedly pressuring Tehran to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
"China is more cautious in its support. It wants the war to end because it threatens its energy supply," said one of the sources familiar with the situation.
The US Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment. CNN also sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington on reports of possible preparations to assist Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hagseth said on CBS News' "60 Minutes" programme that the United States is monitoring the situation surrounding possible contacts between the two countries.
"We are monitoring everything," he said. "The American people can be confident that their commander-in-chief knows very well who is talking to whom. And anything that should not be happening, whether publicly or behind the scenes, is being strongly opposed."
Earlier, Hegseth also told reporters that Russia and China "are not a factor" in the war with Iran.
According to Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, more than 50,000 troops, more than 200 fighter jets and two aircraft carriers are involved in the US military operation against Iran.
Pentagon officials said the operation's goal is to destroy Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. Pete Hegseth said Iran used these missiles as a "shield" to develop its nuclear programme.
Sources also reported earlier that Russia was providing Iran with intelligence on the location and movements of US troops, ships and aircraft. According to interlocutors, some of this data comes from Russian satellite surveillance systems.
