Newsweek:

By Micah McCartney

Iran is reportedly nearing a procurement deal for Chinese surface-to-ship cruise missiles as U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of strikes looms overhead.

The negotiations—which Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions—have raised concerns among some on Capitol Hill. But several analysts question whether the transfer, even if completed, would materially shift the balance in the current crisis, arguing that the story was, for now, more theater than threat.

Newsweek has contacted the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministries by email. The Pentagon declined a request for comment.

Why It Matters

The report comes as tensions spike in the Gulf, with about one-third of the U.S. Navy, including two aircraft carrier groups—the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford—operating nearby. Trump, who previously ordered a strike he said devastated Iran's potential capacity to build nuclear weapons, on Saturday gave the Islamic Republic "probably 10 days" to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.

What Is the CM-302?

Negotiations over the supersonic CM-302, the export-approved version of the formidable YJ-12 family of missiles, began at least two years ago, Reuters reported. The talks gathered pace during the recent conflict with Israel, culminating in a visit to China by Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei.

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