Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to purchase advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six sources familiar with the negotiations, as the United States expands its naval presence near Iranian waters amid rising tensions, according to a recent Reuters report.
The agreement would involve the Chinese-made CM-302, a supersonic missile with a range of approximately 290 kilometers. Designed to fly low and fast to evade ship defenses, the system is capable of targeting large naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and destroyers.
Two weapons experts told Reuters that deployment of the missile would significantly strengthen Iran’s ability to threaten U.S. naval forces operating in the region. Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer now with Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, described the potential transfer as “a complete gamechanger,” noting that the missiles are difficult to intercept.
Talks between Tehran and Beijing reportedly began at least two years ago but accelerated sharply following last year’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. As negotiations entered their final stages, senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, traveled to China, according to security officials briefed on the discussions.
Reuters said it could not determine how many missiles might be included in the deal, the price Iran agreed to pay, or whether China will ultimately proceed given heightened regional tensions. After publication, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of the reported talks. The White House did not directly address the negotiations.
President Donald Trump has warned Tehran that it faces a clear deadline to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington or risk military consequences. The U.S. has deployed significant naval assets to the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford strike groups, capable together of carrying more than 5,000 personnel and approximately 150 aircraft.
The potential sale would mark one of the most advanced weapons transfers from China to Iran in decades. It would also test the limits of international sanctions that were reimposed last September after earlier suspension under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The reported negotiations underscore deepening military ties between Beijing and Tehran. China, Iran, and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises in recent years, and U.S. officials have previously sanctioned Chinese entities for allegedly supplying missile-related materials to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In addition to the CM-302, sources said Iran is also discussing potential purchases of Chinese surface-to-air systems, portable air-defense weapons, anti-ballistic systems, and even anti-satellite capabilities.
Analysts say the deal, if completed, would complicate U.S. efforts to contain Iran’s missile program and could reshape the strategic balance in the Persian Gulf at a moment when Washington is openly preparing for possible sustained military operations should diplomacy fail.
