• Iran is on the verge of finalizing a deal with China for advanced CM-302 anti-ship missiles.
• The missiles possess a range of approximately 290 kilometers and can evade defenses by flying low.
• The agreement is seen as a significant enhancement of Iran's military capabilities.
• This development comes as the US intensifies its military presence near Iran's coast amidst increased tensions.
• The deal signals deepening military ties between China and Iran at a critical geopolitical moment.

Iran is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with China to purchase advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, known as the CM-302. This agreement comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, which is deploying significant naval forces near the Iranian coast. The CM-302 missiles are designed to evade shipborne defenses by flying at low altitudes and fast speeds, with a reported range of about 290 kilometers, significantly enhancing Iran’s potential to target naval assets in the region, according to Reuters and India Times.

The negotiations for the missile deal began at least two years ago, but recently intensified after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. Senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Massoud Oraei, visited China as discussions progressed to their final stages last summer. Weapons experts indicate that having supersonic missile capabilities would be a "complete gamechanger" for Iran, complicating efforts by the U.S. to maintain its naval superiority in the area, according to Channel News Asia.

While specific details regarding the number of missiles and the terms of the deal remain unclear, this potential arms transfer is significant as it highlights China's willingness to strengthen military ties with Iran in the face of U.S. sanctions. These sanctions were initially imposed in 2006 and later lifted in 2015 but reimposed a year ago, further complicating any military agreements, as noted in reports from Reuters and India Times.

The United States has been ramping up its military presence, including the deployment of aircraft carriers like the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford, within striking distance of Iran's coastline. This buildup occurs concurrently with a looming ultimatum from President Trump regarding Iran's nuclear program, which adds pressure on the negotiations over the missile deal. Observers note that the missile acquisition could further challenge U.S. military interests in the region, as indicated by experts consulted in the articles from Channel News Asia and India Times.

Additionally, the deal suggests a broadening of military cooperation among Iran, China, and Russia, as the three countries routinely conduct joint naval exercises. This rising collaboration demonstrates a collective stance against U.S. policies in the region, further complicating the geopolitical landscape as tensions escalate, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.