Iran is reportedly nearing the final stages of a major arms agreement with China to obtain CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, the export variant of China’s advanced YJ-12 missile system. Talks that have been underway for more than two years gained new momentum following the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict, according to defense analysts.
Experts say the CM-302’s supersonic speed, low sea-skimming trajectory, and range of nearly 290 kilometers could make it extremely difficult for modern naval defenses to intercept. If deployed, the missiles could pose a serious threat to large warships, including aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers.
The potential deal is unfolding at a time of heightened regional tension. The United States has significantly increased its naval presence near Iran, deploying major assets such as the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups. President Donald Trump has warned of a “very tough” response if diplomatic efforts to reach a new nuclear agreement fail.
If finalized, the agreement would mark a significant transfer of advanced military technology, potentially bypassing existing UN arms restrictions, while also strengthening China-Iran strategic cooperation. Analysts believe such a move could enhance Iran’s military deterrence capability, particularly in the wake of last year’s regional conflicts.$XAU
