Since June 12, 2023, amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, numerous Internet users have alleged that China is clandestinely providing military support to Iran. These claims have largely stemmed from images sourced from Flightradar24, a popular platform for live aircraft tracking. Recently, a pro-Iranian account on X, known as SilencedSirs, asserted that two large cargo planes originating from China disabled their tracking signals prior to entering Iranian airspace.
According to SilencedSirs, the evidence of this alleged military support is twofold. Firstly, they referenced a video that has amassed over six million views, purportedly produced by a media outlet named Prime Scope. Secondly, they provided a screenshot from Flightradar24, claiming it illustrated one of the planes as it entered Iranian airspace. Following this, many users began sharing additional images from Flightradar24, suggesting that multiple flights from China had indeed reached Iran.
On June 14, 15, and 16, various Flightradar24 images indicated flights operated by the Luxembourg-based cargo airline Cargolux arriving in Iran. A user on X even claimed, “China sends the first military aid to Iran – unknown cargo,” accompanied by a screenshot depicting a Cargolux plane supposedly traversing Iranian airspace.
However, a thorough investigation reveals that none of the Flightradar24 screenshots shared since Friday show any aircraft actually heading towards Iran. Notably, the flight number “MNB1925” referenced in the viral video is linked to the Turkish company MNG Airlines, which does not have any flights entering Iran since Friday. In fact, the only flight associated with this number passed north of Iran from Turkmenistan.
Moreover, the map utilized in the video lacks clearly defined borders, further complicating the narrative. The credibility of the video itself is questionable, as our editors found no verifiable source for the alleged media outlet Prime Scope, which claims to provide unbiased news.
Several flights have drawn significant scrutiny from Internet users, particularly flights CLX9735, CLX9736, and CLX9737, all operated by Cargolux and departing from China. Although screenshots appear to show these planes flying over Iranian territory after passing through Turkmenistan, it is critical to note that these visuals represent “estimated” trajectories rather than actual flight paths.
When contacted for clarification, a representative from Flightradar24 explained that the aircraft icons displayed over Iran are based on estimation data shown when a user clicks on a flight. Ian Petchenik, the company’s communications director, clarified that these estimated positions, indicated by a black trail color, can persist for up to 240 minutes after an aircraft’s signal is lost.
In a statement, Cargolux asserted that none of its flights utilize Iranian airspace, emphasizing that their flight tracking systems provide real-time data confirming that no aircraft entered Iranian airspace. The company criticized the dissemination of “incorrect data” from public tracking tools, although it did not explicitly name Flightradar24.
Additionally, the European Union's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines against operating in Iranian airspace due to heightened tensions and missile threats. Petchenik further explained that Cargolux's flights are scheduled to operate to Luxembourg, but the lack of information on refueling stops creates misunderstandings regarding their actual routes.
The circulation of these unfounded claims occurs simultaneously with China's vocal opposition to Israeli military actions against Iran. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed concerns over the escalating situation in the Middle East, stating, “We oppose any action that undermines the sovereignty of other countries” during a recent meeting in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has communicated dissatisfaction to Israeli officials about the international community's ongoing search for a political resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
As discussions around military support from China to Iran circulate, it is essential to rely on verified information rather than speculation. Investigations into the flight data reveal that the claims surrounding Cargolux flights and their alleged paths over Iran are based on estimation data and not factual trajectories. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, the accuracy of information is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics at play.
