Iran recently made a deal with a Chinese company to acquire large quantities of ammonium perchlorate, a crucial component for solid-fuel ballistic missiles. The material, purchased by Pishgaman Tejarat Rafi Novin Co. from Lion Commodities Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong, has the potential to produce up to 800 missiles and is expected to arrive in the coming months.
This development comes at a sensitive time as Iran’s ballistic missile program is under scrutiny amidst ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US. There are concerns that some or all of the material could end up in the hands of Iran-backed proxy groups in the Middle East, particularly Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have been launching ballistic missile attacks on Israel.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has denied any knowledge of the transfer, stating that China strictly controls dual-use items in accordance with export control laws and international obligations. The deal with the Chinese company was likely finalized before Trump’s offer to restart nuclear talks earlier this year.
The report also highlights Iran’s efforts to rebuild its network of militias known as the ‘Axis of Resistance’ following setbacks in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria. Ballistic missiles have been transferred to Shia militia groups in Iraq, posing a threat to Israel and US forces in the region.
The fall of Assad’s regime in Syria has disrupted the Axis of Resistance, which previously connected Iran, Iraq, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel has resumed airstrikes on southern Beirut suburbs, targeting Hezbollah strongholds.
Syria’s new Sunni Islamist regime under Jolani (Sharaa) is forging alliances with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, while Iranian troops have been expelled from the country. Pro-Iranian militias in Western Iraq have been quiet, as the US has reduced its presence in northeast Syria.
These developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East and the ongoing power struggles between regional actors.