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  "path": "/news/world/china-iran-supersonic-missiles-donald-trump-general-war",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-24T23:05:03.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "British Army veteran left homeless in Dubai after wrongful arrest as his passport is withheld",
    "Closer ties with EU would 'cost taxpayers £15bn' as Keir Starmer policy branded 'act of self-harm'",
    "Australian PM Anthony Albanese evacuated from his house due to safety threat",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nChina is sending Iran supersonic missiles as President Donald Trump’s top general has warned he is “reluctant” to declare war in the Middle East.\n\nThey are preparing to supply Iran with advanced supersonic missiles capable of targeting US aircraft carriers.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWestern intelligence officials say Tehran is in advanced negotiations with Beijing to purchase the CM-302 anti-ship cruise missile, a weapon designed specifically to destroy large warships.\n\nThe missiles, sometimes referred to as “carrier killers”, are capable of travelling at up to four times the speed of sound while carrying a 500lb explosive payload.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAccording to their manufacturer, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the weapons can fly just above sea level before performing evasive zig-zag manoeuvres designed to defeat ship-based defences.\n\nThe CM-302 is believed to have a range of roughly 180 miles and approaches targets below radar detection thresholds until the final phase of flight.\n\nNegotiations reportedly accelerated following last summer’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a significant escalation at sea, the Telegraph reports.\n\nUS naval power in the region has surged in response, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group currently positioned in the Arabian Sea south of Iran.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA second carrier group centred around the USS Gerald R. Ford is also moving closer to the region after being photographed near Crete.\n\nThe loss of even a single US aircraft carrier would represent an unprecedented military and political shock for Washington.\n\nIran has not disclosed how many missiles it intends to buy or when they might become operational.\n\nAs talks entered their final stages last year, Tehran reportedly dispatched a delegation of senior defence and government officials to China, including Iran’s deputy defence minister.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * British Army veteran left homeless in Dubai after wrongful arrest as his passport is withheld\n  * Closer ties with EU would 'cost taxpayers £15bn' as Keir Starmer policy branded 'act of self-harm'\n  * Australian PM Anthony Albanese evacuated from his house due to safety threat\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA former Israeli intelligence officer warned the missiles would be “very difficult to intercept”, calling them “a complete game changer” for regional naval warfare.\n\nThe developments come as the US amasses its largest concentration of sea and air power in the Middle East since the Second Gulf War.\n\nWashington has also rushed additional missile defence systems into the region, including Patriot batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence interceptors.\n\nAt the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps have staged large-scale military drills across southern Iran and the Gulf islands, showcasing what they described as “new combined tactics” and “modern technologies”.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nState television aired footage of missiles, rockets and drones being launched at mock targets during the exercises.\n\nThe drills coincided with diplomatic manoeuvring in Europe, where US envoys are due to meet Iranian negotiators in Geneva.\n\nBehind closed doors, however, President Donald Trump is facing warnings from his most senior military adviser.\n\nGeneral Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has privately cautioned against launching a strike on Iran, citing severe military and strategic risks.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSources described General Caine as a “reluctant warrior”, warning that even a limited attack could spiral into a prolonged regional conflict.\n\nPresident Trump publicly rejected reports of internal disagreement but acknowledged that “General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War”.\n\nHe said: “I would rather have a deal than not, but if we don’t make a deal, it will be a very bad day for that country.”\n\nSenior officials remain divided, with Vice President JD Vance urging caution and warning against another Middle Eastern entanglement.\n\nConcerns have also been raised over depleted US missile stockpiles following heavy use in defending Israel and intercepting Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.\n\nDespite this, defence analysts say Mr Trump is leaning towards an initial strike designed to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.\n\nAs China deepens its military ties with Iran and US forces brace for escalation, the president now faces a defining decision on war or diplomacy under the glare of a global audience.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "China sending Iran supersonic missiles as Donald Trump’s top general warns 'reluctant' to declare war in Middle East"
}