China and Iran Discuss Weapons Deal
2/24/2026 12:58:47 PM
Reuters reported that Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to purchase anti-ship cruise missiles, at a time when the United States is deploying a large naval force near Iranian waters amid growing prospects of potential strikes against Iran.
According to six sources familiar with the negotiations, the deal involves Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles and is nearing completion, although no agreement has yet been reached on a delivery timeline.
The missiles have an approximate range of 290 kilometers and are designed to evade sea-based defense systems by flying at high speed and at low altitude.
Two weapons experts said the deployment of such missiles would significantly enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities and could pose a threat to U.S. naval forces operating in the region.
The sources also revealed that negotiations with China over the purchase of the missile systems began at least two years ago but accelerated sharply following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
According to six sources familiar with the negotiations, the deal involves Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles and is nearing completion, although no agreement has yet been reached on a delivery timeline.
The missiles have an approximate range of 290 kilometers and are designed to evade sea-based defense systems by flying at high speed and at low altitude.
Two weapons experts said the deployment of such missiles would significantly enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities and could pose a threat to U.S. naval forces operating in the region.
The sources also revealed that negotiations with China over the purchase of the missile systems began at least two years ago but accelerated sharply following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran.