Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to purchase advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. The reported agreement involves the Chinese-made CM-302, a supersonic missile with a range of around 290 kilometers, capable of flying low and fast to evade naval defenses. If delivered, the system would significantly boost Iran’s ability to target warships in the region.
Talks between Tehran and Beijing reportedly began at least two years ago but gained urgency after last year’s brief war between Israel and Iran. Senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, are said to have traveled to China during the later stages of negotiations.
The potential deal comes at a sensitive moment. The United States has deployed major naval assets near Iran, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, raising tensions in the Gulf.
While China’s foreign ministry says it is unaware of the reported sale, analysts warn that such a transfer would deepen military ties between Tehran and Beijing and complicate US efforts to contain Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. If completed, the deal could shift the strategic balance in already volatile regional waters.
