Senior Trump administration officials accused Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) of supplying chipmaking tools to Iran’s military.
The alleged shipments began approximately one year ago. Officials stated they have no reason to believe the transfers have stopped.
The collaboration likely included technical training on SMIC semiconductor technology. SMIC has denied all accusations of military ties since the U.S. first imposed sanctions in 2020.
Authorities are investigating whether the tools contained U.S.-origin components. Such findings would represent a direct violation of American sanctions against Iran.
The allegations risk escalating the technological rivalry and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.