Iran Receives Key Missile Production Chemicals from China

Iran is reportedly resuming its missile production capabilities following the arrival of a 1,000-ton shipment of sodium perchlorate from China, which is a key precursor for solid rocket propellant. The cargo was transported by the Golbon, which docked at Bandar Abbas, and is intended for the Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (SSJO) linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Western intelligence suggests this shipment could enable the production of propellant for up to 260 Kheibar Shekan missiles or 200 Haj Qasem missiles, both capable of reaching targets up to 1,450 kilometers. This development comes after setbacks for Iran's missile program, including Israeli strikes on its missile facilities, raising concerns among the U.S. and its allies regarding Tehran's military ambitions. The second vessel, the Jairan, is expected to deliver an additional 1,000 tons of the chemical in the near future. China's involvement highlights its role as a crucial ally for Iran amid ongoing international sanctions and geopolitical pressures.