Iran nears deal with China on anti-ship missiles

Iran is close to reaching an agreement with China on the purchase of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, according to six sources familiar with the negotiations. Talks reportedly accelerated after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June. The timing and scope of any delivery remain unclear.

The prospective contract is being discussed at a time when the United States has concentrated substantial naval forces near the Iranian coast.

The missiles, with a range of about 290 kilometres, are designed to evade ship defences by flying low and at high speed. Experts say their deployment would significantly enhance Iran’s ability to threaten US naval forces in the region. Last summer, negotiations entered their final phase, and senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Masoud Oraei, travelled to China.

China’s Foreign Ministry said it had no information about the talks. The White House has not commented directly, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran of tough measures if no agreement is reached on its nuclear programme. The US has deployed the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford to the region.

The potential sale would deepen military ties between China and Iran and follows the renewal of sanctions. According to the sources, Iran is also discussing other Chinese weapons systems, including surface-to-air missiles and anti-satellite weapons.

(reuters, max)