China has rejected a Reuters report claiming it plans to supply hundreds of portable air-defence missile systems to Iran, while Pakistan has also denied reports suggesting it would facilitate the alleged shipments. The report said the deal would reportedly be handled through a Hong Kong-based intermediary. Reuters also reported that the proposed logistics route could involve shipments travelling from western China towards Iran via Pakistan. The reported deal has not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities. Military analysts say portable air-defence systems are widely used to defend against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones due to their mobility.