Picture courtesy of AP (Ronald Zak)

 

Iran is reportedly enhancing its ballistic missile program with materials from China, despite United Nations sanctions reimposed last month banning such actions. Intelligence sources reveal that shipments of sodium perchlorate, crucial for missile propellant, have reached Iran from China. These actions follow a recent conflict with Israel and suggest a determined effort to replenish depleted missile stocks.

 

Iran's breaches of the 2015 nuclear deal triggered the "snapback" mechanism, leading to the renewed sanctions. The sanctions prevent ballistic missile activity and related materials from reaching Iran. However, the sodium perchlorate being shipped is not explicitly mentioned in the prohibited items list, leaving room for China to bypass the restrictions.

 

Europe's intelligence highlights that several recent shipments have arrived in Iran since September 29. Notably, ships like the MV Basht and other vessels have been identified making regular trips from China to Iran, often linked to Iran’s Shipping Lines and under US sanctions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry claims no specific knowledge of these transactions, emphasising their adherence to international obligations.

 

Experts express concern over Iran's procurement of sodium perchlorate. Jeffrey Lewis, a nonproliferation expert, believes Iran is actively restocking missiles used in previous conflicts. The recent shipments comprise around 2,000 tonnes, enough for approximately 500 missiles, signalling Iran's intent to bolster its arsenal rapidly.

 

Looking forward, China’s position on the legality of the snapback could influence future shipments. Analysts suggest China may feel justified in continuing exports, viewing the snapback sanctions as illegitimate. The absence of a specific ban on sodium perchlorate exports further complicates enforcement, providing opportunities for continued supply chains.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Iran boosts missile program with Chinese chemical shipments despite UN sanctions.
• Sodium perchlorate shipments, crucial for missiles, have continued since September.
• China's stance on legality may impact future enforcement of sanctions.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-10-30

 

 

That's not good

Considering Israel's current unrestrained aggression (genocide and crimes against humanity) and various Zionist groups demanding death to all Arabs, what does expect Israel's Arab neighbours to do?

just continues to show that sanction from any country or international organization mean absolutely nothing to the Chinese and their allies as it has never really been worth the time spent on deciding what sanctions to use IMHO.s

Looks like the Middle East Peace Maker may have some difficulty landing the Nobel next year as well.....

 

The Middle East nuclear free zone need to be addressed urgently. There is a long standing internatonal call for one. UN General Assembly in 2019 has been pushing this process though it has not yet resulted in a legally binding treaty. It is an irony that Iran pushed for such a agreement in 1974 with Egypt. Israel need to be transparent on claims of their nuclear weapons. The ambiquity only create the need for middle east countries to consider some sort of deterrent. 

 

 

I stopped at Iran’s breach. It was USA who pulled out of the deal. The European breached immediately. 10 years later they are accusing them. 😂😂😂

The United Nations sanctions never seem to work.

Hands up anyone who never saw this coming !

On 10/30/2025 at 8:09 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Considering Israel's current unrestrained aggression (genocide and crimes against humanity) and various Zionist groups demanding death to all Arabs, what does expect Israel's Arab neighbours to do?

 

Iranians are not Arabs. 

On 10/30/2025 at 8:09 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Considering Israel's current unrestrained aggression (genocide and crimes against humanity) and various Zionist groups demanding death to all Arabs, what does expect Israel's Arab neighbours to do?

Especially as Israel is estimated as having at least 90 nuclear weapons and is not under ANY sanctions at all.

 

AI Overview
The truth about Israel's secret nuclear arsenal | Israel ...
Israel is estimated to have about 90 nuclear weapons, though the exact number is not officially confirmed due to the country's policy of deliberate nuclear ambiguity. While Israel has never officially confirmed its nuclear program, experts widely believe it possesses nuclear arms and has enough fissile material for up to 200 more warheads. 
Estimated arsenal: Approximately 90 nuclear warheads are believed to be in Israel's possession.
Policy of ambiguity: Israel has a long-standing policy of neither confirming nor denying its nuclear weapons status, instead stating it will "not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East".
Fissile material: The country is believed to have enough fissile material to build hundreds more warheads.
Delivery systems: Israel is believed to have a "nuclear triad" with delivery options that include ballistic missiles, aircraft, and potentially submarine-launched missiles. 

On 10/30/2025 at 6:54 AM, webfact said:

Iran is reportedly enhancing its ballistic missile program with materials from China, despite United Nations sanctions

Catchy song 👍