Reuters news agency cited six sources familiar with the negotiations revealing that Iran is in the final stages of closing a deal with China to purchase the CM-302 hypersonic anti-ship missile. Although no official delivery date has been set, talks have reached their concluding phase.
The CM-302 missile has a range of approximately 290 kilometers and is designed to fly at low altitude and high speed to evade naval defense systems. If deployed, it would significantly enhance Iran's strike capabilities and increase risks to U.S. naval forces in the region.
These talks began about two years ago but accelerated notably following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. Sources said that last summer, Masoud Oraei, Iran's Deputy Defense Minister, made a secret visit to Beijing to advance the agreement.
However, details remain unclear regarding the number of missiles involved, the contract value, or China's final stance. Amid rising tensions, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials stated that Iran holds security agreements with allied countries and that the time is right to utilize those accords.
This deal comes as the U.S. assembles a large naval force near Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its supporting strike group, while the USS Gerald R. Ford and escort ships are also heading to the region. Together, these two carriers carry more than 5,000 personnel and over 150 combat aircraft.
On 19 Feb 2021 GMT+7, President Donald Trump stated he had given Iran 10 days to reach an agreement on its nuclear program, warning that failure could lead to military action. Reports indicate the U.S. is preparing for operations that might last several weeks if ordered.
This arms sale reflects deepening military ties between China and Iran amid strategic competition with the U.S. China, Iran, and Russia regularly conduct joint naval exercises annually.
In September last year, during the Iranian president's visit to Beijing, China reaffirmed its support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, China and Russia co-signed a letter criticizing the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions as a flawed decision.
Previously, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned several Chinese entities for supplying chemical precursors to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile program. China denied these allegations and asserted strict enforcement of export controls.
The missile is produced by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), which promotes the CM-302 as a highly effective anti-ship missile capable of being launched from ships, aircraft, or mobile ground platforms, and also able to strike land targets.
Sources also indicated that Iran is negotiating to procure additional Chinese systems, including man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), missile defense systems, and anti-satellite weapons.
/SourceReuters