Mysterious Cargo from China: 2,000 Tons Linked to Iran’s Missile Project
Hidden Shipment Prior to Port Explosion
Less than a month before the explosion at the Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, reports emerged of a shipment from China aboard the vessel “Giran,” carrying chemicals intended for rocket fuel production. It is estimated that approximately 2,000 tons of ammonium perchlorate—materials known for their military applications—were stored at the port. Iranian sources confirmed chemicals were involved in the incident but did not specify their identities.
Role of Ammonium Perchlorate
According to the security firm Ambrey, the cargo received at Rajaei Port in March reportedly included solid rocket fuel specifically ammonium perchlorate, which is critical in revitalizing Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile. This compound is capable of releasing oxygen at high speeds, allowing for powerful combustion processes. While it can be safely stored and transported at room temperature, ammonium perchlorate becomes extremely explosive in conjunction with organic fuels and under conditions of high heat or friction.
International Concerns Over Cargo
The import of substantial quantities of ammonium perchlorate from China to Iran has raised escalating concerns among Western nations. Utilizing this chemical for the purpose of renewing Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal is seen as a violation of various international restrictions, further intensifying worries about potential regional security escalations.
Circumstances Surrounding the Fire
The fire that erupted at the port is believed to have resulted from negligent storage practstarts concerning the solid fuel cargo. Ship tracking data released by the Associated Press indicated that start of the vessels carrying this chemical was present in the port area in March. Iranian authorities have refrained from confirming receipt of the shipment. Reports from the Iranian news agency IRNA reveal that local customs officials blamed “improper storage of hazardous materials in the port area” without providing further details.
Environmental and Social Impact
Images from the scene showed extensive damage across multiple locations within the port. Authorities warned of serious air pollution due to the release of toxic chemicals, including ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Consequently, schools in Bandar Abbas temporarily suspended operations.
Strategic Importance of Shahid Rajaei Port
Shahid Rajaei Port, located in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, serves as a vital strategic trade hub. The port was the target of a cyber attack attributed to Israel in 2020 amid ongoing tensions in cyberspace.
In summary, the incident highlights the critical intersection of chemical imports, military applications, and international oversight, encapsulating broader concerns regarding Iran’s military aspirations amid regional volatility.
For those interested in exploring accommodations while traveling to the region, consider booking through