Iranian Ships Allegedly Transporting Chemicals for Missile Propellants

January 23, 2025

11:56 AM

Reading time: 3 minutes


Two Iranian cargo ships are reportedly on a course to transport critical chemicals used in the manufacturing of missile propellants, raising alarms within international security circles. According to a report from the Financial Times, the ships, Golbon and Jairan, are expected to depart from China in the coming weeks, carrying over 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate—a key ingredient for solid rocket propellants.

This chemical shipment has triggered warnings from Western security officials, as it poses a potential threat to the stability of the Middle East and beyond. The sodium perchlorate can be converted into ammonium perchlorate, a vital component for solid-fuel missiles like Iran’s medium-range Kheibar Shekan or Haj Qassem missiles. With the ability to fuel approximately 260 such missiles, this shipment is being closely monitored.

The shipment follows setbacks in Iran’s missile production, particularly after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted and destroyed key missile manufacturing facilities in Syria and Iran. These included the destruction of planetary mixers used in the production of solid propellants, critical to the development of Iran’s missile arsenal.

The information from Western intelligence sources suggests that the chemicals are intended for use by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite branch of Iran’s military. The United States and its allies have consistently sought to limit the IRGC’s ability to advance its missile capabilities, making this shipment a critical point of concern.

The Financial Times article further reveals that the Golbon left the Chinese island of Daishan, near Shanghai, on Tuesday, with the chemicals destined for Bandar Abbas, a port city in southern Iran. Meanwhile, the Jairan is expected to depart China in early February. The vessels are expected to arrive in Iran within three weeks, marking a potentially significant boost to Iran’s missile capabilities.

While the Chinese embassy in Washington has stated it is unaware of the situation, the potential for these ships to be intercepted has raised tensions among international stakeholders, particularly the United States and Israel. The shipment also brings to the forefront broader concerns about Iran’s missile program and its strategic ambitions in the region.

Facebook Icon
Instagram Icon
YouTube Icon

Copyright © 2024 TBN Israel. All rights reserved.