Iran is nearing a deal with China to buy anti-ship cruise missiles known as CM-302, according to six sources familiar with the negotiations. This comes at a time when the United States has deployed a significant naval force near Iran, preparing for potential military actions against the country.
The CM-302 missiles can travel about 290 kilometers and are designed to outmaneuver naval defenses by flying low and fast. Their acquisition would greatly boost Iran’s ability to strike and pose a threat to U. S. naval operations in the area, as noted by weapons experts.
The missile negotiations, which have been ongoing for at least two years, gained momentum following a brief conflict between Israel and Iran in June. Senior Iranian officials, including deputy defense minister Massoud Oraei, visited China as the talks progressed. The exact number of missiles involved in the potential deal, their cost, and the commitment from China regarding delivery remain unclear amid the rising regional tensions.
An Iranian official mentioned that Iran has military agreements with its allies, suggesting that now is an appropriate time to utilize those partnerships. Requests for comments from Chinese officials and the U. S. White House regarding these negotiations went unanswered. U. S. President Donald Trump stated that a tough stance would be taken if a deal is not reached regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Should the deal be finalized, it would mark a significant transfer of advanced military technology to Iran, violating a United Nations arms embargo established in 2006 and reimposed last September. The potential arms sale highlights the strengthening military relationship between China and Iran during a period of heightened rivalry with the U. S., complicating American efforts to control Iran’s missile development and nuclear program.
U. S. military readiness is evident as naval forces, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, assemble near Iran. Analysts believe that China aims to prevent the emergence of a pro-Western government in Iran, which could threaten its interests in the region.
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The missile deal also reflects a broader struggle between the U. S. and a coalition of Russia and China in influencing Iran’s future. Meanwhile, Iran’s military capacity has been weakened due to previous conflict, and acquiring the CM-302 would enhance its capabilities significantly. The missile is marketed by China’s state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) as a leading anti-ship missile capable of destroying large naval vessels.
In addition to the CM-302, Iran is reportedly in discussions to obtain Chinese surface-to-air missile systems, anti-ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite technology. Historically, China was a significant arms supplier to Iran in the 1980s, yet arms transfers decreased in the late 1990s due to international pressure. Recently, U. S. officials have claimed that Chinese companies have provided missile materials to Iran, although no direct accusations of supplying full missile systems have been made.
