- Iran is reportedly close to finalising a deal with China for the purchase of advanced CM-302 anti-ship cruise missiles.
- These supersonic missiles are designed to evade shipborne defences, significantly enhancing Iran's strike capabilities and posing a threat to US naval forces in the region.
- Negotiations for the missile systems accelerated following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June, with senior Iranian officials visiting China.
- The potential sale would contravene a United Nations weapons embargo and signals deepening military ties between China and Iran, complicating US efforts to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programmes.
- While China's Foreign Ministry denied knowledge of the talks, the White House referenced U.S. President Donald Trump's firm stance on Iran, amidst a US military build-up in the region.
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