Iran to Buy Chinese Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles: Threat to US Navy?
February 25, 2026 – Iran is on the verge of finalizing a deal with China to procure CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, a development that significantly alters the regional security landscape as the United States increases its naval presence in the Persian Gulf. The potential acquisition, confirmed by six individuals familiar with the negotiations, comes after accelerated talks following a brief conflict between Israel and Iran in June of last year.
The CM-302, with a range of approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles), is designed to operate at high speeds and low altitudes, making it difficult to intercept with conventional shipborne defense systems. According to weapons experts, deployment of these missiles would substantially enhance Iran’s ability to project power and pose a direct threat to U.S. Naval forces operating in the region.
Negotiations between Tehran and Beijing reportedly began at least two years ago, but gained momentum after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Senior Iranian military and government officials, including Massoud Oraei, Iran’s deputy defense minister, have traveled to China in recent months to finalize the agreement, a visit that had not been previously reported. While no firm delivery date has been established, sources indicate the deal is nearing completion.
The timing of this potential arms deal coincides with a significant build-up of U.S. Naval forces in the Persian Gulf, described as the largest such deployment since 2003. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the area, alongside other vessels, in a demonstration of force amid heightened tensions and the possibility of military action against Iran. This escalating military posture appears to be a key driver behind Iran’s efforts to bolster its own defensive capabilities.
“It’s a complete game-changer if Iran has supersonic capability to attack ships in the area,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and senior Iran researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. “These missiles are very difficult to intercept.”
The potential sale also raises concerns about compliance with a United Nations weapons embargo, although the specifics of that embargo and its current enforcement are not detailed in available information. The deal would further deepen the growing military and economic ties between China and Iran, both nations facing varying degrees of pressure from the United States and its allies.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, framed the potential acquisition as a natural consequence of existing security agreements. “Iran has military and security agreements with its allies and now is an appropriate time to make use of these agreements,” the official stated, implicitly referencing a broader strategic shift towards closer cooperation with China.
The acquisition of CM-302 missiles would provide Iran with a significant asymmetric advantage in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The missiles’ Mach-4 speed and sea-skimming capabilities would make them particularly challenging to defend against, potentially disrupting maritime traffic and escalating regional tensions.
The move to acquire these advanced weapons systems reflects Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop a robust anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capability, designed to deter potential adversaries from operating freely in the region. This strategy is increasingly focused on countering U.S. Naval dominance and protecting Iran’s interests in the face of perceived external threats.
While the United States has not officially commented on the reported deal, the increased naval presence in the Persian Gulf signals a clear message of deterrence. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups underscores the U.S. Commitment to maintaining stability in the region and protecting its allies.
The situation remains fluid, and the potential for miscalculation or escalation is high. The acquisition of CM-302 missiles by Iran would undoubtedly complicate the geopolitical landscape and further strain relations between Washington and Tehran, potentially triggering a new arms race in the Middle East. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether this deal is finalized and what impact it will have on regional security.