Iran close to agreement with China on purchase of anti-ship missiles
This was reported by The Public with reference to Reuters.
According to six sources familiar with the negotiations, the deal to supply Chinese-made CM-302 missiles is nearing completion, but the delivery date has not yet been determined. The missiles have a range of about 290 kilometres and are designed to hit maritime targets, in particular thanks to their ability to fly at low altitudes and evade ships' air defence systems.
The sources said that negotiations on the purchase of these missiles have been ongoing for at least two years and accelerated after the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. They said senior Iranian defence and government officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Masoud Oraei, had arrived in China for the final stage of negotiations.
Reuters was unable to determine the number of missiles that may be purchased, the amount of the potential deal, or the final delivery terms. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of any negotiations on the sale of missiles, and the Chinese Defence Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
A representative of the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Reuters that the country has military and security agreements with its allies and that the current period is appropriate for their use.
According to arms experts, the CM-302 missiles could significantly enhance Iran's ability to strike maritime targets and pose a threat to US naval forces in the region.
Reuters also reports that the possible deal comes amid a growing US military presence near Iran. In particular, the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, along with accompanying ships, have been sent to the region.
In addition, according to sources, Iran is also negotiating the purchase of other Chinese weapons systems, including air defence systems and other military technologies.
