New Delhi, April 11 -- U.S. intelligence reportedly says China is planning to send new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks, according to CNN, which cited three people familiar with the assessments. The report also says Beijing may try to disguise the shipments by moving them through third countries to hide their true origin.

Beijing is reportedly preparing to supply shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems, known as MANPADS, to Iran, according to CNN, which cited unnamed sources.

At the same time, US and Iranian officials are expected to begin high-level talks on Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending a six-week-long war.

China was once a key supplier of weapons to Iran during the 1980s, but large-scale arms transf...