Iran is reportedly nearing an agreement with China to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, a development that could significantly strengthen Tehran’s naval strike capabilities at a time of escalating tensions with the United States in the Persian Gulf. According to individuals familiar with the negotiations, talks over the purchase of Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic missiles are in their final stages, although delivery timelines and financial details remain unclear.
The CM-302 missile is designed to travel at supersonic speed and fly at low altitude, allowing it to evade shipborne defence systems. With an estimated range of around 290 kilometres, the weapon is capable of targeting large naval vessels, including destroyers and aircraft carriers. Defence analysts say the deployment of such missiles would substantially enhance Iran’s ability to threaten naval forces operating near its coastline and alter the regional military balance.
Negotiations between Tehran and Beijing reportedly began at least two years ago but accelerated following a brief 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. Sources said senior Iranian military and government officials travelled to China during the later stages of discussions, including Iran’s deputy defence minister, as both sides moved closer to finalising the arrangement.
Iranian officials have indicated that the potential acquisition falls within broader military cooperation agreements with allied countries, though Chinese authorities have not publicly confirmed the deal. Beijing’s foreign and defence ministries have not responded to requests for comment, while the White House declined to address the negotiations directly, reiterating that Washington continues to press Iran to reach an agreement over its nuclear programme.
If completed, the transfer would represent one of the most advanced weapons systems supplied to Iran by China in decades and could raise questions regarding international sanctions frameworks. Restrictions on arms transfers to Iran were originally imposed by the United Nations in 2006, eased under the 2015 nuclear agreement, and later reimposed amid renewed disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities.
The reported deal comes as the United States increases its military presence near Iran, deploying major naval assets including aircraft carriers and accompanying strike groups capable of sustained operations. Analysts view the timing as significant, suggesting that Iran may be seeking to strengthen deterrence capabilities as tensions with Washington intensify.
The potential missile purchase also highlights growing strategic cooperation among China, Iran and Russia, which have conducted joint naval exercises in recent years. Chinese officials have previously expressed support for Iran’s sovereignty and criticised renewed sanctions, signalling closer political alignment between the countries.
Experts note that Iran’s military inventory was weakened by recent conflicts, making the acquisition of advanced anti-ship weapons particularly valuable. In addition to cruise missiles, Iran is reportedly exploring the purchase of other Chinese defence systems, including surface-to-air missiles and anti-ballistic technologies. While China was once a major supplier of arms to Iran during the 1980s, large-scale transfers declined under international pressure, making the current negotiations potentially significant for regional security dynamics.
