Strategic Shift: Iran Nears Deal for Advanced Chinese CM-302 Anti-Ship Missiles Amid Tensions with U.S. Navy

Iran is close to finalizing a major arms deal with China to acquire CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. These missiles, boasting a range of 290 kilometers, are specifically engineered to evade maritime defense systems by flying at extremely low altitudes and supersonic speeds.

Military analysts warn that the deployment of the CM-302 would significantly bolster Iran's offensive capabilities in the Persian Gulf, posing a credible threat to U.S. carrier strike groups in the region. Negotiations reportedly accelerated following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last June. While the delivery timeline remains unconfirmed, the deal signals a deeper military alignment between Tehran and Beijing at a time of maximum regional friction.