CNN: Iran resumes production of ballistic missiles Despite UN sanctions

Iran appears to be accelerating efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile program, despite the reimposition last month of United Nations sanctions banning arms sales to the country and activities related to ballistic missiles, CNN reports.

Several shipments of sodium perchlorate — a key precursor in the production of solid propellant used in Iran’s medium-range conventional missiles — have arrived from China at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas since the so-called “snapback” mechanism was triggered at the end of September, European intelligence sources say.

The sources note that shipments beginning on September 29 included some 2,000 tons of sodium perchlorate purchased from Chinese suppliers following Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in June. The deliveries are believed to be part of Tehran’s concerted effort to replenish its depleted missile arsenal. Several of the cargo vessels and Chinese entities involved are already under U.S. sanctions.

The deliveries come after the restoration of more than a decade-old UN sanctions under the snapback provision, which allows the reinstatement of restrictions if Iran breaches the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — the nuclear agreement designed to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Under the sanctions reimposed last month, Iran is prohibited from engaging in any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. UN member states are likewise required to block the transfer of materials or technology that could support such programs.

The sanctions also oblige member states to prevent the supply of arms or assistance to Iran’s weapons industry. However, China and Russia have opposed the reintroduction of the measures, arguing that it undermines diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

CNN, citing the same intelligence sources, tracked several cargo ships identified as part of these recent deliveries. Using ship-tracking data and the social media activity of crew members, the network found that many of the vessels had made repeated trips between Chinese ports and Iran since late April. The crews are reportedly employed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, and their online posts provided a trail of their voyages.

It remains unclear whether the Chinese government is aware of, or has authorized, the shipments.

By Khagan Isayev