TEHRAN: Iran appears to be accelerating efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile program despite the reimposition of United Nations sanctions that restrict arms transfers and missile-related activities.
CNN, quoting European intelligence sources, reported that several shipments of sodium perchlorate — a key ingredient for solid missile propellant — had arrived at Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas from China since the reimposition of UN sanctions. The deliveries reportedly originated from Chinese suppliers.
The shipments were said to begin soon after the UN “snapback” mechanism took effect, reinstating sanctions in response to Iranian breaches of the 2015 nuclear agreement. According to the sources, the consignments total about 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate, purchased following Iran’s brief conflict with Israel earlier this year, reports CNN.
Sodium perchlorate is not specifically listed among prohibited exports in UN resolutions, but experts note that it can be converted into ammonium perchlorate — a restricted oxidiser used in missile propellants. That distinction could leave room for differing interpretations over whether the exports breach international sanctions.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of the specific shipments and reiterated that Beijing applies export controls consistent with its international obligations. It also restated opposition to sanctions, calling for diplomatic approaches to manage the Iranian nuclear issue.
Tehran has not commented publicly on the reported imports. Western analysts say the renewed flow of missile-related chemicals points to Iran’s intention to replenish its missile inventory, which may have been depleted in recent clashes, while also highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing international trade restrictions.
