Two Iranian cargo vessels, the Golbon and Jairan, are en route from China to Iran, carrying over 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, a crucial ingredient for missile propellant, according to intelligence cited by the Financial Times. This chemical, used to produce ammonium perchlorate, forms 70% of the propellant in solid-fuel missiles.
Security officials from two Western countries estimate that the shipment could yield 960 tonnes of ammonium perchlorate, sufficient to fuel 260 mid-range missiles, including the Kheibar Shekan and Haj Qassem models. The chemicals are reportedly destined for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite branch of Iran’s military.
The Golbon departed Daishan Island, China, earlier this week with 34 containers of the chemical, while the Jairan is expected to leave in early February with 22 containers. Both vessels are Iranian-owned and are reportedly making the three-week journey to Iran’s Bandar Abbas port without scheduled stops.
China’s involvement in supplying missile-related materials to Iran is drawing scrutiny. While Beijing has not commented on the shipments, its embassy in Washington reiterated China’s commitment to stability in the Middle East. However, analysts like Dennis Wilder, a former CIA China specialist, suggest that China’s longstanding military relationship with Iran, dating back to 1979, continues to play a strategic role. Wilder notes that China’s assistance has included missile technology, parts, and training, as well as discounted Iranian oil purchases.
The US has previously criticized China for aiding Iran’s military and bypassing sanctions, particularly through the purchase of Iranian petroleum. Critics argue the Biden administration has not done enough to enforce sanctions or halt dual-use shipments that may assist Russia in its war efforts in Ukraine.
