The negotiations for the Chinese-made CM-302 missiles accelerated sharply following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June and are now near completion, according to a report from Reuters. The acquisition represents a potential shift in the regional balance of power, as the supersonic missiles are designed to evade shipborne defenses and could pose a direct threat to U.S. aircraft carrier groups currently gathering near the Iranian coast.
Talks regarding the weapons systems began at least two years ago but intensified last summer as tensions in the Middle East escalated. According to security officials briefed on the matter, senior Iranian military figures, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, travelled to China to finalize terms.
The CM-302 missile has a range of approximately 290 kilometres and travels at supersonic speeds, flying low to avoid radar detection. Military experts warn that the deployment of such hardware would complicate U.S. efforts to contain Iran’s military activities.
“It is a complete game-changer if Iran has supersonic capability to attack ships in the area,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a senior Iran researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies. “These missiles are very difficult to intercept.”
The potential transfer of this hardware would defy a United Nations weapons embargo, which was reimposed last September. It also underscores deepening military ties between Beijing and Tehran.
While China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it was unaware of the specific talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently affirmed China’s support for Iran in “safeguarding sovereignty.”
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An Iranian foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the strategic shift to Reuters. “Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is an appropriate time to make use of these agreements,” the official said.
The reports of the missile deal coincide with a significant accumulation of American military power in the region. The U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups to waters within striking distance of Iran.
The White House has not directly addressed the specific missile negotiations but maintains a stern stance regarding the current standoff. U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning on February 19, giving Tehran a 10-day window to reach a new agreement on its nuclear programme or face potential military action.
Beyond the CM-302 system, sources indicate Iran is also in discussions to acquire Chinese surface-to-air missile systems (MANPADS) and anti-satellite weapons to replenish an arsenal depleted during last year’s conflict, as reported by Reuters.
With the U.S. preparing for the possibility of sustained operations, the introduction of advanced Chinese weaponry adds a volatile layer to the approaching diplomatic deadline.
