In the context of an imminent naval confrontation in the Gulf, Iran is on the verge of a major technological leap. According to several reliable sources, the Islamic Republic is finalizing the acquisition of CM-302 anti-ship cruise missiles from China, a transaction that could redefine the balance of power in the Gulf of Oman.

A qualitative leap for Iranian defense

The CM-302 is no ordinary piece of equipment. Produced by the Chinese state-owned firm CASIC , this supersonic missile possesses formidable characteristics for any conventional navy:

1. Speed and altitude: Capable of operating at very high speeds and in low-level flight, it is designed to outsmart the most sophisticated anti-missile defense systems.
2. Range: Approximately 290 km , allowing it to strike targets well beyond the horizon.
3. Versatility: It can be deployed from ships, mobile ground launchers, or aircraft.

For experts, such as former Israeli intelligence officer Danny Citrinowicz, the integration of this vector into the Iranian arsenal represents a direct "strategic challenge" for American naval air groups.

Negotiations accelerated by the crisis

Although discussions began two years ago, they gained momentum after the direct clashes between Israel and Iran last June. The discreet visit to Beijing by Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei underscores the urgency for Tehran to strengthen its deterrent.

This cooperation comes as Washington deploys an impressive armada (including the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford ) and Donald Trump has given Iran a ten-day ultimatum to renegotiate its nuclear program, under threat of large-scale military operations.

The murky game of the great powers

While the agreement appears almost finalized, the delivery schedule remains unclear and diplomatic reactions are cautious:

1. Washington: Brandishes the threat of coercive measures while closely monitoring the reinstatement of the UN arms embargo.
2. Beijing: Officially, China denies any knowledge of the agreement. Unofficially, it is strengthening its ties with Iran and Russia, increasing joint naval exercises and denouncing unilateral US sanctions.

A regional security issue

Beyond the CM-302, Iran is reportedly eyeing other advanced Chinese technologies: anti-ballistic missile systems, man-portable surface-to-air missiles, and anti-satellite capabilities. This resurgence of Chinese arms transfers to Iran—the first such transfer of complete systems since the late 1990s—marks a new stage in the formation of a resistance bloc against American influence in the Middle East.