Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China for CM-302 anti-ship missiles, enhancing its military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.
Iran is close to an agreement with China to purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six people familiar with the talks, reports Reuters.
The missiles, with a range of about 290 kilometres, are designed to evade shipborne defences by flying low and fast. Their deployment would boost Iran's strike capabilities and pose a threat to US naval forces in the Persian Gulf, weapons experts said.
Negotiations began at least two years ago but accelerated after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June. Senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, travelled to China last summer as talks entered their final stages, security sources said.
Reuters could not confirm how many missiles were involved or the price. China's foreign ministry stated it was not aware of the reported talks, while the US White House did not directly address the negotiations. President Donald Trump has warned Iran it has 10 days to reach a nuclear deal or face military action.
The potential sale would deepen China-Iran military ties and defy a UN weapons embargo reimposed last September. China, Iran, and Russia hold annual naval exercises, and Beijing has rejected US accusations of supplying missile-related materials to Iran.
The CM-302, marketed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, is described as capable of sinking aircraft carriers or destroyers and can be mounted on ships, aircraft, or ground vehicles. Iran is also in talks to acquire Chinese surface-to-air and anti-satellite weapons.
The deal comes as the US assembles a large naval force near Iran, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. Analysts said the missiles would significantly improve Iran's depleted arsenal following last year's conflict.
