Iran is scrambling to rebuild its military after suffering heavy losses during its recent conflict with Israel, and two of its most powerful partners, China and Russia, are stepping in with new weapons deals. But while the assistance could improve some Iranian capabilities, the support also reveals clear limits. Beijing and Moscow appear willing to sell weapons and provide technology, yet neither shows signs of wanting to be pulled into a broader Middle East war.
Why Iran Needs to Rebuild
Iran’s push to acquire new weapons accelerated after its 12 day war with Israel in 2025. During that conflict, Israeli bombardments significantly depleted Iran’s arsenal.
Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, said the country’s military stockpile had been “greatly depleted” after the strikes. Following the war, Tehran moved quickly to activate existing agreements with allies to restore its defenses.
An Iranian foreign ministry official confirmed that approach, saying, “Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is an appropriate time to make use of these agreements.”
The need was urgent. After U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian facilities, Tehran formally requested new defense systems from Russia to protect strategic infrastructure.
China’s Supersonic Missile Deal
The most attention grabbing development is Iran’s near agreement to purchase Chinese CM-302 supersonic anti ship cruise missiles. These weapons have a range of about 180 miles and are designed to fly low and fast enough to evade ship defenses.
Experts say the missiles could significantly change regional naval dynamics. Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer, said, “It’s a complete gamechanger if Iran has supersonic capability to attack ships in the area. These missiles are very difficult to intercept.”
China markets the CM-302 as one of the world’s most advanced anti ship missiles, claiming it can even sink an aircraft carrier or destroyer. The system can be launched from ships, aircraft, or mobile ground platforms and can also strike land targets.
Iran is also reportedly negotiating for additional Chinese equipment, including surface to air missile systems, portable air defenses, anti ballistic weapons, and anti satellite systems. Together, these purchases would substantially strengthen Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities, especially against naval forces operating near its coastline.
The timing is notable. The United States has deployed major naval assets near Iran, including multiple aircraft carriers, while warning Tehran to accept a new nuclear agreement or face possible military action.
Russia’s Air Defense Agreement
Russia’s contribution focuses on rebuilding Iran’s air defense network. A secret agreement signed in Moscow in December 2025 reportedly includes 500 Verba portable launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles, with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2029.
The Verba system is considered one of Russia’s most modern portable air defense weapons and is designed to counter cruise missiles and low altitude drones. These capabilities are particularly important for Iran after the damage its air defenses suffered during the war.
Iran requested the systems specifically to “boost its defense capacity and protect its strategic facilities” following the attacks.
Defying International Sanctions
Both the Chinese and Russian deals raise serious questions about international law. A United Nations weapons embargo on Iran was originally imposed in 2006, suspended during the 2015 nuclear agreement, and then reimposed last year.
If completed, the Chinese missile transfer would be among the most advanced military hardware ever supplied to Iran by Beijing and would directly defy those sanctions. China, Russia, and Iran have jointly criticized the decision to reimpose the embargo, calling it flawed.
China’s foreign ministry publicly stated it was not aware of the reported negotiations, and its defense ministry did not comment. In the past, Beijing has rejected U.S. accusations that Chinese firms supplied missile related materials to Iran, saying it strictly enforces export controls.
Strategic Motives but Limited Commitment
The growing military cooperation reflects broader geopolitical alignment. China, Russia, and Iran conduct joint naval exercises and increasingly coordinate politically against Western pressure.
One official familiar with the negotiations described the situation bluntly, saying, “Iran has become a battlefield between the U.S.” on one side and Russia and China on the other.
Still, analysts suggest the support has limits. Danny Citrinowicz said China’s motivation is largely strategic stability rather than confrontation. “China does not want to see a pro Western regime in Iran. That would be a threat to their interests. They are hoping that this regime will stay.”
That statement captures the broader reality. China and Russia are willing to help Iran survive and rebuild, but neither power appears eager to risk direct involvement in a major regional war with the United States.
A Boost but Not a Transformation
Even with new missiles and air defenses, Iran’s situation remains complicated. Its arsenal was heavily damaged, its economy faces pressure, and the United States maintains overwhelming military power in the region.
The new weapons could raise the cost of any attack on Iran and improve its deterrence, especially at sea and in the air. But they do not fundamentally change the balance of power.
Instead, the emerging picture is one of cautious support. China and Russia are helping Iran recover just enough to remain a strategic partner, while carefully avoiding commitments that could pull them into a larger conflict.
For Tehran, that may be better than nothing. But it also shows that even close allies have limits when the risk of war with the United States is on the table.