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3d ago

Iran Said to Near Deal for Chinese CM-302 Anti-Ship Missiles as U.S. Carrier Presence Grows

Analysts say any transfer would tighten Beijing–Tehran military links and challenge the reimposed UN arms embargo.

YJ-12E Supersonic Surface Attack Missile Weapon System are on static display during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024, on November 12, 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.
A ship missile is launched during an exercise in southern Iran. The country's defences might prove tougher than expected with imports from China and Russia.
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Overview

  • Iran is reported by Reuters to be close to finalizing a purchase of Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, with no confirmed delivery timeline or quantities and Beijing saying it is not aware of the talks.
  • Negotiations have run for at least two years, accelerated after last June’s Israel–Iran clashes, and included a previously unreported visit to China by Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei.
  • The CM-302, the export variant of China’s YJ-12, is described by open sources as Mach 3–capable with a roughly 500 kg warhead and several-hundred-kilometre range, though experts note Iran would need time and integration to field it effectively.
  • Rising tensions include a reinforced U.S. naval posture near Iran, with carrier strike groups built around USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, as President Donald Trump sets a short window for a nuclear deal.
  • U.S. lawmakers have urged penalties over any sale they say could violate a reimposed UN arms embargo, and reporting indicates Iran has also explored acquiring Chinese air-defense, anti-ballistic, and anti-satellite systems.