Iran resumes ballistic missile production despite UN sanctions - CNN

According to CNN, citing European intelligence sources, several shipments of sodium perchlorate arrived in Iran from China in late September. The compound is a key precursor used in the production of solid fuel that powers Iran’s medium-range missiles.

These purchases are believed to be part of "determined efforts" to replenish Iran’s depleted missile stockpiles.

Sodium perchlorate is not listed among materials explicitly banned for export to Iran, which, according to experts quoted by CNN, may lead Beijing to argue that it is not violating any UN restrictions.

CNN tracked the movement of several cargo vessels identified by intelligence sources as being involved in recent deliveries of sodium perchlorate from Chinese ports to Iran. Many of these ships reportedly made multiple trips between the two countries since late April.

It remains unclear whether the Chinese government is aware of these shipments, the outlet noted.

In response to CNN’s inquiry, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that, while he was "not familiar with the specific situation," China "consistently enforces export controls on dual-use goods in accordance with its international obligations and domestic law."

UN sanctions against Iran

In late August, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom initiated the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, a move supported by the United States.

The decision came in response to Tehran’s repeated violations of the nuclear deal and its refusal to comply with international commitments.

According to diplomatic sources, the European initiative aimed to increase pressure on the Iranian government and push it back to constructive negotiations on its nuclear program.

The renewed sanctions reportedly include restrictions on arms supplies, asset freezes, and travel bans on several Iranian officials.