A significant development in Iran's missile capabilities has come to light with the arrival of a 1,000-ton shipment of sodium perchlorate from China. This chemical is crucial for producing solid propellant used in Iran's ballistic missiles. Loaded onto the ship Golbon at the Chinese port of Taicang, the shipment was purchased for the Procurement Department of Iran's Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (SSJO). The Golbon departed China three weeks ago and now sits anchored outside Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port.
The delivery marks another instance of China's ongoing support for Iran's defense ambitions. A second vessel, Jairan, is scheduled to transport the remainder of the sodium perchlorate to Iran. This shipment underscores Iran’s commitment to enhancing its mid-range missile capabilities, an effort that has seen significant growth in recent years.
Fabian Hinz of the International Institute for Strategic Studies notes a considerable expansion in Iran's solid propellant production infrastructure. Additionally, US Air Force General Kenneth McKenzie estimates Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal at over 3,000, highlighting the strategic significance of these deliveries.
Iran's reliance on Chinese support is not new. Similar shipments have occurred before, reflecting a longstanding pattern of collaboration. Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies remarks that “this is just the latest shipment in a decades-old pattern,” emphasizing the continuity of these exchanges.
The specific use of sodium perchlorate further points to its strategic importance. Andrea Sella, a professor of inorganic chemistry at University College London, explains that "ammonium perchlorate is the material that was used in the solid rocket propellants of the Space Shuttle." He further elaborates on the limited applications of perchlorates: “There really aren't very many alternative things” that the chemical can be used for, aside from rocket propellants, fireworks, and fuel. This underscores their intended use in missile production, given their "fairly narrow range of uses."
The procurement process for this shipment was managed by the SSJO, a body integral to Iran’s missile development efforts. This department has been pivotal in bolstering Iran's defense capabilities amid regional conflicts and setbacks, such as challenges faced in Syria and Lebanon.
The international implications are significant. The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), which operates both Golbon and Jairan, faces sanctions from both the US and UK. These sanctions target IRISL for its connections to Iran’s defense sector, with the US State Department labeling it as the "preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement agents."
Despite these sanctions, China continues to stand as a steadfast ally to Iran. Beijing has criticized unilateral US sanctions, maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran. This relationship provides Iran with critical support amid global scrutiny and isolation efforts.
Beyond missile development, this partnership highlights broader geopolitical dynamics. China’s involvement with Iran reflects a strategic alignment against Western influence and sanctions. By supporting Iran's missile program, China not only aids Tehran’s defense sector but also strengthens its own geopolitical stance.
The US has responded by sanctioning various Chinese entities allegedly supporting Iranian military drone production. However, these measures have not deterred continued collaboration between Iran and China in military advancements.
