China secretly delivers rocket fuel to Iran

Two Iranian cargo ships, Golbon and Jairan, are set to depart from China for Iran within the next few weeks, the Financial Times reports, citing intelligence from two Western countries.

It is reported that these vessels will be transporting more than 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient in the production of solid rocket fuel. This component is used in the creation of the main element of rocket engines, making it strategically important for Iran.

According to sources, 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate can yield approximately 960 tonnes of ammonium perchlorate, which constitutes about 70% of solid-fuel rocket propellant. Experts note that this volume of the substance is sufficient to fuel up to 260 medium-range missiles, including the "Kheibar Shekan" and "Haj Qasem" models.

In response to these reports, the Chinese embassy in the US stated that it has no information on the matter and emphasised that Beijing continues to adhere to a policy aimed at supporting peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region and the Middle East as a whole.