Mystery flights: Four Chinese aircraft switch off before landing in Iran

According to posts widely shared on X by commentator Mario Nawfal, citing what was described as “Mossad commentary,” four Chinese cargo aircraft allegedly switched off their transponders mid-flight and landed in Iran within a 48-hour window.

“Within 48 hours, four Chinese cargo aircraft switched off their transponders and landed in Iran, allegedly carrying arms and ammunition,” the post claimed, adding that the flights “went dark before entering Iranian airspace” — a pattern aviation analysts often associate with deliberate concealment rather than technical failure.

NO CONFIRMATION, BUT TIMING RAISES STAKES

There has been no official confirmation from any government on the nature of these flights or what they may have been carrying.

However, the timing of the claims has drawn attention.

The alleged flights come shortly after reports that China’s leadership had assured US President Donald Trump that Beijing would not supply weapons to Iran — a sensitive issue as tensions in the region remain high despite a fragile ceasefire.

CHINA PUSHES BACK STRONGLY

Beijing has firmly denied accusations of military support to Tehran. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Wednesday has dismissed such reports as purely fabricated, responding to separate claims that China had provided Iran with satellite capabilities for targeting US bases.

“Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated,” Lin said, warning that any US action based on such allegations could trigger countermeasures.

The controversy comes amid growing pressure from Washington, where officials have signalled potential tariff hikes on countries believed to be assisting Iran during the conflict.

Trump has also escalated rhetoric on Sunday, warning of consequences if Beijing is found to be backing Tehran militarily.

The claims of “dark flights” — if substantiated — could significantly complicate an already delicate diplomatic environment.

AVIATION PATTERN OR SPECULATION?

Aviation experts note that switching off transponders is unusual but not unheard of. While it can indicate attempts to obscure flight paths, it may also occur for operational or security reasons.

In this case, however, the suggestion that multiple aircraft followed a similar pattern in a short time frame has fuelled speculation online.

Still, without independent verification, the claims remain unproven.

DIPLOMACY IN FOCUS

However, even as these claims swirl, a parallel de-escalation is quietly taking shape. US President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels following the Lebanon ceasefire.

While Trump said the strait is “ready for full passage,” he made clear the US naval blockade on Iran will remain “in full force” until a deal is reached. He also signalled that a second round of direct US-Iran talks could take place as early as this weekend.

For now, as diplomacy inches forward, unanswered questions in the skies risk complicating fragile progress on the ground.

– Ends