Iran is nearing a deal to purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles from China, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the region and escalate tensions with the United States.
According to sources, while the agreement is close, the two sides have yet to finalize a delivery schedule for the weapons.
The CM-302, manufactured by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is considered one of the world’s most advanced anti-ship missiles, boasting a range of approximately 290 kilometers and designed to evade defensive systems with its low-altitude, high-speed flight.
CASIC claims the missile is capable of sinking both aircraft carriers and destroyers. The system can be mounted on ships, aircraft, or various vehicles and can too be used against land targets.
Negotiations for the purchase reportedly began at least two years ago, but gained momentum following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel last June, which also involved U.S. Strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. That conflict significantly depleted Iran’s existing arsenal.
The potential delivery of the CM-302 would represent one of the most advanced weapons transfers to Iran in recent history and would violate a UN arms embargo that was reimposed last September, after being in place for twenty years.
“If Iran is able to attack ships supersonically in the region, it completely changes the game. These missiles are extremely challenging to neutralize,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and current researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies.
In addition to the CM-302 missiles, Iran is also reportedly in talks with China to purchase surface-to-air missiles and other air defense, anti-ballistic, and anti-satellite weaponry. Such a deal would complicate U.S. Efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program and signal China’s willingness to challenge American military dominance in the region.
Reuters contacted Tehran, Beijing, and Washington for comment on the reported negotiations. While the White House and the Chinese Ministry of Defense did not respond, Chinese diplomacy stated they were unaware of the discussions. “Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is the time to use these agreements,” said an Iranian Foreign Ministry official.
Growing Cooperation
Despite rising tensions between Iran and the U.S., China has increasingly aligned itself with the Middle Eastern nation. Their navies regularly participate in joint naval exercises with Russia. Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on several Chinese entities accused of supplying chemical materials to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for use in the production of ballistic missiles. Beijing has denied the allegations, stating it strictly controls the export of dual-use goods.
During a visit to Beijing in September, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was told by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that “China supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national pride.” “Iran has become a battlefield between the U.S. On one side and Russia and China on the other,” a source familiar with the negotiations told Reuters.
“China does not want a pro-Western regime in Iran. That would threaten its interests. They hope the current regime will stay in power,” Citrinowicz explained, suggesting China’s support for Iran is motivated by a desire to maintain regional influence as U.S. Forces amass near Iran’s shores.
