European Intelligence Says China Sent Missile Precursor to Iran After UN Sanctions Return

Overview

• European intelligence cited by CNN reports several China-origin shipments of sodium perchlorate arriving at Iran’s Bandar Abbas since September 29, totaling about 2,000 tons.
• The chemical is described as the main precursor for Iran’s solid-propellant used in mid-range missiles and as a direct precursor to ammonium perchlorate, which is prohibited under UN controls.
• While sodium perchlorate is not specifically listed in UN export prohibitions, the renewed sanctions bar ballistic-missile activity and require states to prevent provision of materials that could support nuclear-capable delivery systems.
• CNN reports some vessels and Chinese entities tied to the consignments already appear on U.S. sanctions lists, highlighting persistent maritime enforcement challenges.
• China’s foreign ministry says it is not familiar with the specific case and emphasizes adherence to export controls, as Beijing and Moscow oppose the snapback that Britain, France and Germany supported.