Iran is on the verge of finalizing a deal with China to procure anti-ship cruise missiles, as per sources familiar with the discussions. This development coincides with the United States positioning a significant naval fleet near the Iranian coastline in anticipation of potential actions against the Islamic Republic.
The negotiations for the acquisition of Chinese-manufactured CM-302 missiles are in their final stages, with no fixed delivery timeline yet. These supersonic missiles, with a range of approximately 290 kilometers, are designed to outmaneuver ship defenses by flying at low altitudes and high speeds. If deployed, these missiles would greatly enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities and pose a substantial threat to U.S. naval assets in the region, as noted by two experts in weaponry.
The talks to purchase these missile systems from China, which commenced around two years ago, intensified following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. Senior Iranian military and government officials, including Massoud Oraei, Iran’s deputy defense minister, traveled to China as negotiations reached a critical stage last summer. This visit by Oraei had not been previously disclosed.
According to Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and current senior Iran researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, the addition of supersonic capabilities for attacking ships in the region would be a significant strategic advantage for Iran. He emphasized the difficulty in intercepting such missiles.
While the exact details of the potential missile deal remain unclear, including the quantity of missiles involved and the financial terms, Iran cited existing military and security agreements with allies as grounds for pursuing this opportunity during the current geopolitical climate.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was unaware of the reported missile sale discussions, while the defense ministry did not provide any comments. The White House refrained from directly addressing the Iran-China missile system negotiations, with a White House official mentioning President Donald Trump’s stance on seeking a diplomatic resolution or resorting to strong measures if necessary.
Should the missile sale proceed, it would signify a deepening of military cooperation between China and Iran amidst heightened regional tensions, posing challenges to U.S. efforts to manage Iran’s missile initiatives and nuclear pursuits. This potential collaboration underscores China’s growing assertiveness in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. military influence.
Furthermore, the purchase of CM-302 missiles would represent a significant enhancement for Iran’s military capabilities, particularly following a previous conflict that left its arsenal depleted. The CM-302, marketed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is touted as a top-tier anti-ship missile capable of engaging aircraft carriers and destroyers, deployable across various platforms including ships, aircraft, and mobile units.
Iran is also exploring the acquisition of additional Chinese military systems, such as surface-to-air missile systems, anti-ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite weaponry. The historic ties between China and Iran in arms trading have seen a resurgence in recent discussions, marking a departure from reduced transfers in the late 1990s due to international pressures.
In summary, the potential missile deal between Iran and China signifies a significant geopolitical development in the region, with implications for regional security dynamics and international relations.
