Reuters reports that Iran is close to finalizing adeal with Beijingto purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to six sources familiar with the negotiations. Talks began at least two years ago but accelerated after last June’s 12-day Israel-Iran war.
Senior Iranian military and government officials were involved, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei. It remains unclear how many missiles are included, the price of the deal, or whether China will complete the transfer amid rising regional tensions.
The CM-302 is widely considered one of the most capable anti-ship missiles currently available. Supersonic and designed to fly at low altitude to evade naval radar, it has a range of approximately 290 kilometers. Military analysts have described the system as a potential “game-changer,” significantly increasing Iran’s ability to threaten U.S. aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Marketed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the missile can be launched from ships, aircraft, or mobile ground platforms and can strike both maritime and land targets.
Sources say Iran is also discussing additional purchases from China, including surface-to-air missile systems, anti-ballistic weapons, and anti-satellite capabilities. The transfer would represent one of the most advanced Chinese weapons sales to Iran in decades and could violate reimposed U.N. sanctions.
Analysts say the acquisition would help replenish Iran’s arsenal after last year’s war and reflect deepeningChina-Iran militaryties. Without the missiles, Iran faces weakened conventional capacity and remainsoutmatched militarily. Its regionalproxy networkhas also been degraded by sustained Israeli operations, limiting its ability to quickly reconstitute power.
Lebanon’s government hasurged Hezbollahnot to become involved if fighting breaks out between the United States and Iran, warning that escalation could trigger severe Israeli retaliation. Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said Lebanese officials have received indications that Israel would strike civilian infrastructure, including possibly Beirut’s airport, in any renewed conflict. During the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah war, Israel killed much of Hezbollah’s leadership and launched a ground invasion before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire halted major fighting.
The White House did not directly address the reported negotiations but reiterated President Trump’s warning that Iran mustreach a nuclearagreement or face serious consequences.
President Trump is reportedlygrowing frustratedas he weighs whether to order airstrikes after being advised that any military action would not deliver a single decisive blow and could draw the United States into a prolonged Middle East war. His decision is expected to depend in part on the assessment of special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding whether Tehran is stalling in negotiations over relinquishing its nuclear weapons capability.
Trump has asked advisers for strike options strong enough to pressure Iran into negotiating from a weaker position, but military planners have cautioned there are no guarantees such action would achieve that objective. He has not made a final decision as the administration awaits Iran’s latest proposal ahead of scheduled negotiations in Geneva.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
