Iran Importing Missile Fuel From China as US Tensions Rise: Report

Newsweek

2 days ago

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Iran is importing thousands of tons of missile fuel materials from China as it works to rebuild its diminished military capabilities following Israeli strikes and the weakening of its regional proxies, according to a new report.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has arranged for a shipment that includes ammonium perchlorate—used in solid-fuel ballistic missiles—which could enable the production of up to 800 missiles.
Newsweek has reached out to Iran and China's foreign ministries for comment.
Why It Matters
The shipment underscores Iran's push to restore its missile capabilities after Israeli strikes damaged key facilities and weakened its regional influence. It also reflects deepening ties with China as both face mounting U.S. pressure.
The development comes as nuclear diplomacy remains fragile: while the Trump administration has signaled openness to an agreement, it demands limits on Iran's regional and nuclear activities. Tehran seeks sanctions relief and security assurances.
A man walks past a banner depicting missiles launching from a representation of the map of Iran coloured with the Iranian flag in central Tehran on April 15, 2024. Iran on April 14 urged Israel...
A man walks past a banner depicting missiles launching from a representation of the map of Iran coloured with the Iranian flag in central Tehran on April 15, 2024. Iran on April 14 urged Israel not to retaliate militarily to an unprecedented attack overnight, which Tehran presented as a justified response to a deadly strike on its consulate building in Damascus. MoreWhat to Know
The shipment from China includes thousands of tons of ammonium perchlorate, a vital chemical oxidizer for producing solid-fuel ballistic missiles. This volume could enable the manufacture of up to 800 missiles and is expected to arrive in phases over the coming months, although Iran has not officially confirmed the deal. In response to Iran's expanding missile program, the U.S. recently sanctioned multiple individuals and entities in both Iran and China involved in procuring missile propellant materials.
Iran's Military Setbacks
The missile fuel shipments come as Iran seeks to recover from Israeli strikes that targeted its missile production facilities and proxy forces across Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. These Israeli attacks were carried out in response to Iranian missile and drone assaults on Israeli targets, marking a cycle of escalating retaliation between the two countries. Despite temporary setbacks to Tehran's regional influence and military capabilities, the latest procurement signals Iran's determination to rebuild its strength amid ongoing tensions.
Port Explosion
An earlier shipment of missile fuel materials from China was linked to a devastating explosion at a major port in southern Iran, killing at least 70 people and injuring hundreds more. While Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the shipment, state media reported that the blast was caused by accidental mishandling of highly volatile materials.
Smoke fills the sky above a devastated area of Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 28, 2025. The blast, believed to have originated from hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and...
Smoke fills the sky above a devastated area of Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 28, 2025. The blast, believed to have originated from hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,200, according to local sources.Nuclear Proposal
On Thursday, the U.S. State Department urged Iran to accept its nuclear proposal, calling it "in their best interest." Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that the Trump administration remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, warning Tehran faces a choice between "a good option and a bad option."
Pigott's remarks come as Iran said it's preparing a counterproposal to the American offer. The two sides have been engaged in talks since April, with the most recent round held on May 23. While negotiations remain fragile, both Washington and Tehran have signaled interest in continuing the diplomatic process.
What People Are Saying
Ali Shamkhani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader: "After receiving the American proposal regarding the Iranian nuclear program, we are now preparing our new counter-proposal."
U.S. Treasury Department: "Chinese individuals and entities have supported Iran's missile program, including the production of Houthi missiles and drones."
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: "We've also been clear again and again and again that the Iranian regime can never have a nuclear weapon, that there is a good option and a bad option in regards to that."
What Happens Next
The timing of the planned missile fuel shipments, coming as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks remain stalled, indicates Iran is preparing to bolster its long-term military capabilities, complicating prospects for future negotiations.