Iran is reportedly close to finalising a deal with China to acquire CM‑302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, amid rising tensions in the Gulf as the United States positions a major naval force near its coast. The missiles, designed to evade shipborne defences with high speed and low-altitude flight, could significantly enhance Iran’s maritime strike capabilities, posing a serious threat to US and allied naval operations in the region.
Negotiations for the Chinese-made weapons have been ongoing for over two years and accelerated after a 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June. Senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, recently travelled to China to finalise the talks, indicating the high priority Tehran places on strengthening its naval deterrence. Analysts say the deal marks a major step in deepening military cooperation between Iran and China.
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The CM‑302 missile system has a range of approximately 290 kilometres and can be deployed from ships, aircraft, or mobile ground launchers, capable of striking ships or land targets. Weapons experts describe it as extremely difficult to intercept, meaning its deployment could shift the strategic balance in the Persian Gulf and threaten key shipping routes and US aircraft carriers operating in the area.
The potential arms sale also highlights China’s growing willingness to assert itself militarily in regions traditionally dominated by the United States. Iran and China, along with Russia, have strengthened defence ties in recent years, conducting joint naval exercises and issuing statements challenging US-led sanctions and actions. Such cooperation signals broader geopolitical competition and complicates US efforts to contain Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes.
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The deal comes as the United States has moved the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford, and their strike groups into the Gulf, preparing for possible military operations if Iran fails to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme. Officials warn that any escalation could result in sustained conflict, making the missile acquisition a critical factor in regional security calculations.
In addition to the CM‑302, Iran is reportedly negotiating for Chinese surface-to-air missiles, anti-ballistic systems, and anti-satellite weapons, potentially modernising its entire defence arsenal. The transaction would defy United Nations arms embargoes initially imposed in 2006 but previously suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal. Analysts say Iran’s military capabilities could expand rapidly if China delivers the weapons, affecting the balance of power across the Middle East.