Iran Nears China Deal for Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles

Iran is on the verge of finalizing a deal with China to acquire advanced supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, a development that could bolster Tehran's naval capabilities as the United States positions major naval forces in the Middle East amid escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

The agreement centers on China's CM-302 missiles, which have a range of about 290 kilometers and are designed to fly low and fast to evade ship defenses, making them effective against large vessels such as aircraft carriers and destroyers. According to six sources familiar with the negotiations, talks between Tehran and Beijing began at least two years ago but gained momentum following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, which strained Iran's military infrastructure. Senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, visited China last summer as discussions reached advanced stages, security officials said.

The potential acquisition would represent one of the most significant weapons transfers from China to Iran in decades, enhancing Tehran's ability to target U.S. naval assets in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Two weapons experts noted...