A New Deal: Is Iran Expanding Its Missile Stockpile?

The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday night that Iran has requested materials from Chinese entities to manufacture hundreds of ballistic missiles.

According to the report, Iran is seeking to boost its military capabilities amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States.

• Hezbollah’s Footprints in the Heart of Sanaa: Ṣarif Explosion Exposes Iran’s Missile Network

• Iran’s Fath-360 Missiles to Russia: Military Significance and Potential Impacts

Sources familiar with the matter said that “Iran has asked entities in China for materials to produce several hundred ballistic missiles.”

One official stated that the new contract between Iran and Chinese entities could be sufficient to produce at least 800 missiles.

The materials in question include ammonium perchlorate, a key ingredient in solid missile fuel, which is expected to arrive in Iran in the coming months.

• U.S. Report: Iran Supplies Long-Range Missiles to Iraqi Factions for the First Time

• Iran Unveils Underground Missile Base Used to Attack Israel

Furthermore, a source familiar with the deal noted that the ballistic missile components agreement between China and Iran was signed before former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed talks with Tehran.

For its part, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We were not aware of any missile component transfer deal with Iran.”

He added, “The Chinese side strictly controls dual-use materials in accordance with China’s export control laws and regulations, as well as its international obligations.”

• Missile Defense: Iran or Russia? Ukraine Angered by Israel’s “Special Treatment”

• Iranian Missiles on Israel: Launch and Interception Costs

Iran has not immediately commented on the report.

Last May, the United States imposed new sanctions on individuals and companies — including entities based in China and Hong Kong — accusing them of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury

• How did Iranian missiles breach Israel’s “Dome”? 4 Reasons

• A Hypersonic Missile: The secrets of Iranian funding for Houthi armament