Iran nears major anti-ship missile deal with China

The addition of supersonic anti-ship missiles would represent a major upgrade to Iran’s maritime strike capabilities.

By World Israel News Staff

Iran is nearing an agreement with China to acquire advanced supersonic anti-ship missiles, a development that could significantly raise the threat to U.S. naval forces operating in the region, according to a Reuters report citing multiple sources familiar with the negotiations.

The proposed deal involves China’s CM-302 anti-ship cruise missiles, weapons designed to fly low and fast to evade ship defenses.

Defense analysts say the system could complicate naval operations in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, particularly as the United States deploys a large concentration of military assets near Iran amid escalating tensions.

The reported purchase comes against a backdrop of increasingly direct Iranian threats targeting American aircraft carriers.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently dismissed U.S. military warnings, declaring that while an aircraft carrier is “a dangerous tool,” an even more dangerous weapon is one capable of sending it “to the bottom of the sea.”

“The strongest army in the world can sometimes receive such a strong blow that it cannot rise again,” Khamenei said, responding to repeated U.S. statements emphasizing American military superiority.

According to Reuters, negotiations between Tehran and Beijing have been underway for several years but accelerated following last year’s conflict involving Israel, which left portions of Iran’s military arsenal degraded.

The addition of supersonic anti-ship missiles would represent a major upgrade to Iran’s maritime strike capabilities and could pose a direct challenge to U.S. carrier strike groups operating within range.

The missile discussions are part of a broader effort by Tehran to rebuild and modernize its defenses.

Separate reports indicate Iran has finalized a confidential €500 million weapons agreement with Moscow to acquire advanced “Verba” shoulder-launched air defense systems.

The deal reportedly includes roughly 500 launch units and 2,500 missiles delivered in phases through 2029.

The portable systems are designed to target drones, helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and certain cruise missiles, potentially complicating aerial operations at lower altitudes and strengthening Iran’s layered air defense network.

These military developments coincide with a significant U.S. buildup across the Middle East.

Two American aircraft carrier strike groups, supported by additional warships and hundreds of aircraft, have moved into or toward the region as Washington prepares contingency plans should diplomacy fail.

Despite the rising military posture, diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. and Iranian negotiators are expected to meet Thursday in Geneva for a third round of talks centered on an Iranian proposal aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement.

U.S. officials have signaled, however, that the window for diplomacy is narrowing rapidly.

President Donald Trump has warned that Tehran must reach an agreement or face severe consequences, raising concerns that stalled negotiations could quickly give way to military confrontation.

With military forces massing and threats escalating on both sides, the reported arms deals add to growing concerns that tensions could soon shift from deterrence to direct confrontation.