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Iran has reportedly procured significant quantities of critical components from China to bolster its ballistic missile programme, even as nuclear negotiations with the United States continue to remain at an impasse.

 

According to a report from Washington, Tehran has placed an order for ammonium perchlorate — a vital oxidiser used in the production of solid-fuel missiles. The quantity is believed to be sufficient for the manufacture of up to 800 ballistic missiles.

 

The report, citing unnamed intelligence sources, further alleges that a portion of these missiles may be destined for proxy groups operating under Iranian influence across the region. However, the claim remains unsubstantiated, with no concrete evidence presented to support such an assertion.

 

The shipment, it is understood, is expected to arrive in Iran over the coming months.

 

The revelation coincides with heightened tensions in the ongoing US-Iran nuclear dialogue, where progress has stalled over the contentious issue of dismantling Iran’s uranium centrifuges — a step Washington insists is essential for the easing of sanctions.

Also read: Khamenei calls Iran-US nuclear talks ‘complete nonsense’

 

Iranian chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi has firmly rejected any proposal requiring the dismantlement of these centrifuges. Nonetheless, Tehran has indicated willingness to impose a cap on its uranium enrichment activities.

 

“As nuclear talks with the Trump administration remain tense, Iran is simultaneously building up its regional influence and weapons stockpiles,” the report noted.

 

The Islamic Republic continues to expand its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while rebuffing the notion of negotiating any restrictions on its missile development programme.

 

The procurement of missile components is being viewed in some quarters as an attempt by Tehran to prepare for potential hostilities involving Israel or the United States. While Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the move, the report has fuelled apprehension in diplomatic circles.

 

China, meanwhile, has issued no official statement in response to the report, and has neither confirmed nor denied the alleged transaction.