Iran receives 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from China for missiles

European intelligence reports indicate that Iran has received multiple shipments totaling 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate from China since September 29, 2025. Sodium perchlorate is a key precursor for solid rocket propellant used in mid-range ballistic missiles, according to CNN.

The deliveries have been traced to ports including Bandar Abbas and are linked to vessels such as the MV Basht, Barzin, Elyana, and MV Artavand, the latter of which had its Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off. These shipments follow Iran"s conflict with Israel in June and appear to be aimed at replenishing and expanding its missile stockpiles.

Despite the reintroduction of UN sanctions aimed at banning ballistic missile activity and related supplies through the "snapback" mechanism at the end of September, sodium perchlorate is not explicitly mentioned in the UN sanctions lists. This creates a legal gray area that China may reference. Some of the ships and entities involved in these shipments are already under U.S. sanctions. Western sources estimate that the quantities received could be sufficient to produce approximately 500 missiles, with experts noting that Iran had previously planned to manufacture around 200 missiles per month.

China has denied knowledge of the specific shipments and emphasized its commitment to adhering to export controls. Additionally, both China and Russia opposed the reimposition of the snapback sanctions.