Iran Nears Deal with China for Advanced Anti-Ship Missiles as US Deploys Naval Forces

TEHRAN: Iran is close to finalising a deal with China to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six individuals familiar with the negotiations, as the United States deploys a substantial naval presence near Iranian waters amid heightened tensions.

The agreement involves the Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, which have a reported range of approximately 290 kilometres. The missiles are designed to fly low and at high speed to evade shipborne defence systems, potentially enhancing Iran’s ability to target naval assets in the region. However, no delivery timeline has been confirmed.

Talks between Tehran and Beijing reportedly began at least two years ago but accelerated following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June. Sources said senior Iranian military and government officials travelled to China last summer as negotiations entered advanced stages, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, whose visit had not been publicly disclosed.

Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, described the potential acquisition as a “complete gamechanger,” noting that supersonic missiles are extremely difficult to intercept.

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Reuters could not determine how many missiles are included in the proposed deal, the financial terms, or whether China will proceed amid escalating regional tensions. An Iranian foreign ministry official said Tehran has military and security agreements with its allies and that now is an appropriate time to utilise them.

The Chinese mission to the United Nations directed media inquiries to Beijing’s foreign ministry, which did not respond. The White House also did not directly comment on the reported negotiations, although US President Donald Trump recently reiterated that Iran faces a choice between reaching a nuclear agreement or confronting tougher measures.

The potential transfer of the CM-302 missiles would represent one of the most advanced military systems supplied by China to Iran. It could also raise questions about compliance with United Nations sanctions, which were first imposed in 2006, eased under the 2015 nuclear agreement, and later reimposed.

The development comes as the US increases its military footprint in the region. The aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, along with their respective strike groups, are being positioned within operational range of Iran. Together, the two carrier groups can deploy thousands of personnel and over 150 aircraft.

During a military parade in Beijing last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly expressed support for Iran’s sovereignty while hosting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. China, along with Russia and Iran, also issued a joint letter in October criticising the reimposition of sanctions.

Analysts say the reported missile deal underscores deepening military ties between China and Iran at a time of rising geopolitical rivalry, potentially complicating US efforts to contain Tehran’s missile and nuclear programmes.

According to defence experts, Iran’s arsenal was significantly depleted during last year’s conflict, making the acquisition of advanced systems such as the CM-302 particularly consequential for regional security dynamics.