Iran is reportedly on the verge of finalizing an agreement with China for the procurement of 'aircraft carrier killer' cruise missiles, specifically the CM-302 model, as tensions with the United States escalate. According to Reuters, six sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that while the deal is close to completion, no specific delivery date for the missiles has been announced. The CM-302 missiles have a range of approximately 290 kilometers, designed to evade onboard defenses by flying at low altitudes and high speeds.

Experts on armaments have commented that the acquisition of these supersonic missiles will greatly enhance Iran's offensive capabilities, potentially posing a significant threat to US naval forces operating in the region. These missiles are described as a variant of the Chinese DF-21D, specifically tailored for export purposes. The implications of such a deal not only heighten regional military tensions but also reflect Iran's strategic shift in defense partnerships, as it seeks to bolster its military capabilities in response to perceived threats from the US.

This development has sparked concerns among various geopolitical analysts, as it signals a strengthening military cooperation between Iran and China, which may shift the balance of power in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian military's operational increase, accompanied by the bolstering of its missile capabilities, highlights the ongoing dynamics of power struggles in the Middle East, and could lead to a reevaluation of military strategies by the US and its allies.