Iran Nears Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile Deal With China

Iran is approaching a potential procurement milestone that intersects with regional force posture and sanctions policy: negotiations with China for CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles have entered final stages, according to Reuters who cited six individuals familiar with the talks.

The timing is notable. The United States has concentrated major naval assets within striking distance of Iran, while diplomatic friction over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs persists.

Capability Shift At Sea

The CM-302, marketed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation - CASIC - is designed for high-speed, low-altitude penetration. Sources described a range of about 290 kilometers and a supersonic flight profile intended to complicate shipborne defenses.

Two weapons experts cited by Reuters assessed that deployment would “significantly enhance” Iran’s maritime strike options, particularly against high-value naval targets.

Negotiations began at least two years ago and accelerated after the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, the six sources said. As discussions progressed last summer, senior Iranian defense officials traveled to China, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, according to two security officials. Reuters said Oraei’s visit had not been previously disclosed.

Sanctions And Embargo Friction

Any transfer would sit uneasily with the United Nations sanctions framework referenced by Reuters. A UN arms embargo first imposed in 2006 was suspended in 2015 under a nuclear agreement, then reimposed last September.

Reuters could not determine the number of missiles under discussion, the contract value, or a delivery timeline.

Official responses were measured and divergent. An Iranian foreign ministry official told Reuters it was “an appropriate time to make use” of military and security agreements with allies.

After publication, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not aware of talks on a missile sale. China’s defense ministry and CASIC did not respond to requests for comment.

US Force Posture Near Iran

The reported negotiations coincide with a visible U.S. naval presence. Reuters cited the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group already deployed, with USS Gerald R. Ford and escorts heading to the region.

Combined, the two carriers can embark more than 5,000 personnel and approximately 150 aircraft, underscoring the scale of U.S. contingency planning.

A White House official did not address the missile talks directly but referenced U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance: “either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time.”

Trump said on February 19 that Iran had 10 days to reach an agreement over its nuclear program or face military action.

Reuters previously reported on February 13 that Washington was preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations if ordered.

Arsenal Depletion And Diversification

Pieter Wezeman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute characterized the potential CM-302 purchase as a “significant improvement” for an Iranian arsenal described as depleted by last year’s war.

CASIC promotes the missile as capable of engaging large surface combatants and adaptable across ships, aircraft, and mobile ground launchers, with secondary land-attack capability.

Beyond anti-ship systems, the six sources said Iran is discussing additional Chinese equipment, including surface-to-air missiles described as MANPADS, anti-ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite systems.

Historically, China was a major arms supplier to Iran in the 1980s, with large-scale transfers declining by the late 1990s amid international pressure.

U.S. officials have accused Chinese firms of supplying missile-related materials to Iran in recent years, though not complete missile systems.