Iranian Cargo Ship Transits With Missile Fuel Component

An Iranian cargo vessel, MV Jairan, is en route to Bandar Abbas carrying a key ingredient for missile propellant, raising concerns about regional security. The ship, owned by the Islamic Republic of iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), a sanctioned entity, was observed passing through the Straits of Malacca on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. The cargo is believed to be sodium perchlorate, a substance vital for producing ammonium perchlorate, a primary component in solid-fueled ballistic missiles.

IRISL Vessel Carries Dual-Use Chemical

The MV Jairan, a 16,694-ton vessel, is suspected of carrying 24 containers of sodium perchlorate. This amount is potentially sufficient to create enough ammonium perchlorate to fuel approximately 250 medium-range missiles, similar to those used by Iran against Israel in past operations. While sodium perchlorate has legitimate uses, its dual-use nature adn the involvement of IRISL raise red flags.

Sodium perchlorate is classified as a hazardous product in the United states, posing explosive risks and health hazards such as breathing difficulties and kidney failure from fume exposure. “Besides being the feedstock for ammonium perchlorate, it can also be used as an oxidizing agent in engraving processes and in the manufacture of livestock fattening agents.”

The shipment’s connection to IRISL potentially violates UN Security Resolution 1929, which “cautions states to be aware of IRISL’s sanctions-breaking activities and its role in supporting Iran’s missile progress, manufacture and maintenance activities.”

Implications for Regional Stability

Ammonium perchlorate is a critical component of Iranian ballistic missiles, comprising 70% of the fuel load in many of their solid-fueled rockets. These missiles, includingthe medium-range Khybar-Shikan and Fattah, as well as the shorter-range Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar, have been exported to regional allies and used in attacks throughout the Middle East and beyond.

Specifically,”In original and variant form,these have been widely exported to Russia and Axis of Resistance allies,and have been used to attack shipping at sea and targets in Saudi Arabia,the UAE,Israel and Ukraine,as well as in the attacks causing injuries to American service personnel at Al Asad in Iraq.”

The Tasnim news agency showed a video of two Zolfaghar missiles being fired from the deck of the IRGC’s Shahid Mahdavi in the Gulf of Oman.”Illustrative of the uses to which ammonium perchlorate is put to in its solid fuel missiles, and the threat which it poses, in February last year the Iranian news agency Tasnim showed video of two containerized solid-fuel Zolfaghar missiles being fired from the deck of the IRGC’s Shahid Mahdavi (Pennant 110-3) in the Gulf of Oman.” These missiles have also been linked to attacks by the Houthis on Aramco oil facilities.

Iran’s Missile Fuel Shortage

Given the risks involved, including potential interception and diplomatic repercussions with China, Iran’s decision to proceed with this shipment suggests a critical shortage of ammonium perchlorate. “Iran is highly likely to be seriously short of ammonium perchlorate at present, enough to take the risk of interdiction while shipping the material and the risk of causing political embarrassment to China.” This shortage may stem from damage to domestic production facilities and increased demand due to regional conflicts and exports to Russia, as the war in Ukraine rages on.

A risky Voyage

The MV Jairan appears to be traveling without escorts, relying on the assumption that it will not be intercepted. Despite calls for action, “the MV Jairan is believed to be travelling without escorts at present, and by traveling with its Automatic Identification system switched on, it clearly believes that nobody has the political will to intercept the ship.”

The ship’s passage through the straits of Malacca was particularly vulnerable, but it is now approaching waters patrolled by the Iranian navy, offering a degree of protection.

This shipment highlights the ongoing efforts to monitor dual-use goods and the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran’s missile program as of march 16, 2025. Stay informed about developments in international security and non-proliferation efforts. Share this article to raise awareness about the challenges of preventing the spread of missile technology.