Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran has received several shipments of sodium perchlorate from Chinese ports to Bandar Abbas since late September. The deliveries signal Tehran’s renewed effort to rebuild its ballistic missile stocks after recent conflicts and sanctions. European sources estimate that Iran imported roughly 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from Chinese suppliers.
The shipments started arriving on September 29 and follow Iran’s 12-day confrontation with Israel in June. The chemical plays a key role in producing solid rocket propellant for medium-range conventional missiles. While not explicitly banned by UN sanctions, sodium perchlorate is closely linked to ammonium perchlorate, which is restricted.
Intelligence analysts tracked vessels involved in the transfers, including the MV Basht, Barzin, Elyana, and MV Artavand. In some instances, ships switched off their tracking systems, a tactic often used to obscure routes. Several vessels repeatedly traveled between China and Iran since April, according to tracking data and crew social media posts.
The deliveries coincided with the “snapback” of UN restrictions at the end of September. These sanctions prohibit arms transfers to Iran and bar missile activity capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Experts note that the sanctions’ wording leaves ambiguity around dual-use chemicals, raising questions about compliance.
China denied knowingly violating international regulations. A spokesperson emphasized that the country follows export controls on dual-use items in line with domestic and international laws. Officials also stressed support for diplomatic solutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Analysts link the shipments to Iran’s need to replace missiles damaged or used during the June conflict. Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Project, said Iran requires more sodium perchlorate to restore missile production and build new stockpiles. He also noted that the US and Israel are likely replenishing their own missile and interceptor inventories.
US authorities previously sanctioned vessels and companies linked to illicit shipments to Iran. Some firms connected to the recent deliveries are already blacklisted. Western intelligence continues evaluating whether the recent flows of sodium perchlorate violate UN rules, given its dual-use nature.
The increased procurement underscores a broader challenge for nonproliferation enforcement. Dual-use chemicals can move through commercial channels and flagged vessels, complicating monitoring. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between Iran’s military ambitions and international regulatory frameworks.