Iran Acquires Materials Capable of Fueling 800 Ballistic Missiles

Iran has reportedly purchased a large shipment of ammonium perchlorate, a chemical used in the production of solid-fuel ballistic missiles, from a company in Hong Kong, according to sources familiar with the deal. The quantity is believed to be sufficient to manufacture up to 800 missiles, sparking renewed fears about Iran’s military ambitions and its regional influence.

The transaction was reportedly arranged by an Iranian firm, Pishgaman Tejarat Rafi Novin Co., and involves Lion Commodities Holdings Ltd. The materials are expected to be delivered in the coming months, although precise timelines remain unclear.

Analysts and intelligence sources are raising the possibility that the materials could be funneled, at least in part, to Iran-aligned proxy groups throughout the region. Most notably, Houthi rebels in Yemen have already launched countless ballistic missile attacks on Israel in recent months..

Additional transfers to Shia militias in Iraq have also been reported, with some groups allegedly receiving ballistic systems capable of targeting Israeli and U.S. positions. These developments come as part of what appears to be a broader Iranian effort to rebuild its "Axis of Resistance" after recent setbacks in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

China's Foreign Ministry denied knowledge of the transaction, insisting that it maintains strict oversight of dual-use exports under domestic and international law.