China military equipment allegedly smuggled to Iran via Dubai: Report

Dubai: A new investigation has alleged that Iran’s powerful military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) used a United Arab Emirates-based network to secretly procure advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment connected to its drone and missile programme.

The findings are based on leaked shipping records and contracts reviewed by the Financial Times, which suggest a complex multi-country logistics chain involving China, the UAE, and Iran.

UAE-based network allegedly used for procurement

According to the report, the equipment was routed through a company named Telesun, based in Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. The company allegedly facilitated the shipment of nearly 1.8 tonnes of Chinese-manufactured satellite antenna equipment from Shanghai in China to Iran via Dubai in late 2025.

Chinese satellite equipment shipped via Dubai route

The consignment reportedly included a 4.5-metre motorised satellite antenna, along with accessories and communication equipment, all packed into six large cases.

The shipment originated in Shanghai and was transported by a Chinese vessel to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. From there, an Iranian ship named Rama III allegedly collected the cargo and transported it onwards to Iran.

Bandar Abbas delivery and port transfer

The cargo was later delivered to Iran’s Bandar Abbas, with satellite imagery reportedly showing the vessel docking at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, formally known as Shahid Rajaee Port.

The report states that the final transfer marked the completion of a covert logistics chain spanning multiple jurisdictions and shipping entities.

Alleged GPS spoofing by Iranian vessel Rama III

The Iranian vessel involved, Rama III, reportedly attempted to conceal its movements by broadcasting false GPS coordinates near Oman while it was actually sailing towards Iran.

Satellite imagery cited in the report later allegedly showed a vessel matching Rama III docked at Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, reinforcing claims of deceptive navigation practices.

End use linked to IRGC Aerospace Force

The military-grade satellite communication equipment was allegedly intended for use by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.

The equipment was reportedly delivered to an Iranian telecommunications company linked to the Saman Industrial Group, an entity sanctioned by the United States in December 2023 over alleged connections to Iran’s missile and drone development programmes.

US and EU sanctions context

US officials have alleged that Saman Industrial Group helped Iran obtain drone-related equipment through intermediary companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.

The United States government has also claimed that the group played a role in supporting Iran’s military procurement networks.

Separately, the European Union has sanctioned IRGC-linked organisations over allegations that Iranian drones were supplied to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Shipping agents and additional entities named

The report also identifies Blue Calm Marine Services as the Iranian shipping agent handling the cargo. The company was sanctioned by the United States in 2023 for allegedly assisting in transporting missile-related materials to Iran’s defence ministry.

Alleged use in regional military operations

The investigation further claims that the IRGC later utilised similar satellite and communication capabilities during attacks that damaged US military bases in the Middle East. These incidents reportedly resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and injuries to hundreds of others.

Regional escalation and UAE as a target

The report also states that the UAE became one of the major targets of Iranian retaliation following strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.

According to the claims cited, Iran launched more than 2,800 drones and missiles at the UAE, including strikes that reportedly impacted civilian areas.

With agency inputs