Overview

• Flight-tracking data show at least three Chinese-registered Boeing 747 freighters departed China since June 16 with declared final destinations in Luxembourg but never entered European airspace.
• Each flight followed a path over Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before disappearing from radar near the Iranian border.
• Aviation experts say Boeing 747 freighters are commonly used to transport military equipment and arms, heightening concerns about covert weapons shipments to Iran.
• Cargolux denied that its aircraft entered Iranian airspace and declined to specify what cargo they carried.
• Analysts warn that any clandestine arms transfers would strengthen China–Iran strategic ties and risk escalating tensions with the United States and regional powers.