SMIC sent chipmaking tools to Iran's military, Trump administration officials say — report claims exchange began a year ago, 'almost certainly included technical training on SMIC's semiconductor technology'

China's largest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), allegedly sent chipmaking tools and provided technical training to Iran's military industrial complex, according to two senior Trump administration officials. The collaboration, which likely included training on SMIC's semiconductor technology, began about a year ago and may still be ongoing. The officials did not confirm if the tools were of U.S. origin, potentially violating existing sanctions against SMIC. SMIC has been under U.S. trade restrictions since 2020 due to alleged ties to the Chinese military, and the Biden administration further tightened these restrictions in 2024.