Published: Mar 12, 2026, 23:00 IST | Updated: Mar 12, 2026, 23:00 IST
Iran is reportedly close to finalising a major deal with China to acquire advanced supersonic anti‑ship missiles that could significantly enhance its naval strike capabilities amid the escalating US‑Iran war. The missiles — believed to be China’s CM‑302 export variant of the YJ‑12 — are designed to fly low and fast, evading defences and threatening large surface warships operating in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. While Beijing has denied the reports, experts say such a pact would complicate U.S. naval strategy and raise the stakes in any future maritime confrontation.