China and Russia are secretly negotiating the purchase of key chemicals needed for ballistic missiles with Iran, Politico reports.
The provision of this article is considered a clear violation of UN sanctions, Politico says citing diplomats. However, it can help the Kremlin replenish its supplies of missiles that are running out due to the war.
"Azonit" chemical company is said to lead negotiations on ammonium perchlorate, which is the main component of solid fuel used by Russia to power rockets.
Iranian diplomat Sajjod Ahadzoda, "Tehran's technology advisor", led the talks in Beijing.
It is reportedly unclear how Chinese companies attracted diplomats and what is the exact amount of the mixture that Iran wants to purchase. It is said to be enough to build thousands of rockets.
Most of Iran's precision-guided and short-range ballistic missiles, notably the Zolfaghar, which has a range of 700km, are based on solid-fuel engines. Iran may also use this fuel to create long-range missiles under its space program.
The country is supposedly self-sufficient in missile production like Russia, but sanctions limit production capacity. Iran might be interested in increasing its missile reserves.
Western analysts say China's move to avoid UN sanctions banning Tehran from supplying ammonium perchlorate shows that Beijing is deeply concerned about Russia's prospects.
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