Zhuhai, China – Two Iranian cargo ships, the Shabdis and the Barzin, have departed a Chinese chemical storage port, reportedly carrying components crucial for the production of solid rocket fuel, amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East. The vessels, operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL), a state-owned carrier already under sanctions by the United States, Britain, and the European Union, set sail earlier this week from Gaolan Port in Zhuhai, China. This development raises concerns about potential violations of international restrictions and the ongoing escalation of regional conflict.
The departure of the ships comes at a particularly sensitive time, with direct combat occurring between the US and Iran, and increasing instability across the region. Experts suggest that China’s decision to allow the vessels to proceed is a deliberate policy choice, signaling a potentially shifting stance on enforcing sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program. The key chemical identified as being loaded at the port is sodium perchlorate, a vital ingredient in solid rocket fuel.
Concerns Over Rocket Fuel Precursor
Gaolan Port, located on China’s southeastern coast, is known for handling large volumes of industrial chemicals. According to reports from the Washington Post, the Shabdis and Barzin were recently docked at the port, where sodium perchlorate is commonly stored. The presence of this chemical has prompted speculation that the ships are intended to bolster Iran’s capabilities in missile production. The Week reported that the ships were heading towards Iran as of March 8, 2026.
The implications of this shipment are significant. Iran’s ballistic missile program has long been a source of international concern, and the provision of key components could accelerate its development. The United States has repeatedly expressed its determination to prevent Iran from acquiring advanced weapons capabilities. The Yeshiva World notes that the US has previously accused IRISL of supplying materials to Tehran’s ballistic missile program.
China’s Deliberate Policy Choice
What is particularly noteworthy is China’s apparent decision not to intervene. Isaac Kardon, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, highlighted that Beijing had multiple opportunities to delay the ships’ departure. “China could have held these vessels at port, imposed an administrative delay, invented a customs hold – any number of bureaucratic tools, but didn’t,” Kardon stated. “That’s a deliberate policy choice made during an active war in which Beijing publicly calls for restraint.”
This stance contrasts with expectations that China would be wary of actions that could be perceived as supporting Iran during a period of active conflict with the United States. The decision to allow the shipment to proceed suggests a potential recalibration of China’s foreign policy priorities, or a willingness to accept increased risk in maintaining its economic relationship with Iran. As of Saturday, March 8, 2026, both vessels were spotted on the South China Sea, with the Barzin anchored off the coast of Malaysia and en route to Bandar Abbas, and the Shabadis headed towards Iran’s Chabahar port.
Impact on Regional Relations
The shipment also raises concerns about China’s relationships with Gulf states. Grant Rumley, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, pointed out that any show of support for Iran could strain China’s ties with countries in the region. “With missiles and drones raining down on Gulf states, any show of support like this towards Iran risks souring China’s relations with a number of Gulf countries,” Rumley said. “It’s an uncharacteristically bold strategy.”
The Gulf states have long been wary of Iran’s regional ambitions and have sought to counter its influence. China, which relies heavily on oil imports from the Gulf, has traditionally maintained close ties with these countries. However, its growing economic partnership with Iran may now complicate these relationships. The potential for increased Iranian missile capabilities also adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile security landscape in the Middle East.
IRISL and Existing Sanctions
The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL) has been subject to sanctions by the US, Britain, and the European Union for years, due to its alleged involvement in facilitating the proliferation of sensitive materials. These sanctions restrict IRISL’s access to international financial systems and limit its ability to conduct business with companies in sanctioned countries. Despite these restrictions, IRISL continues to operate a fleet of vessels that transport goods to and from Iran.
The fact that the Shabdis and Barzin are operated by a sanctioned entity further underscores the potential for violations of international norms. The US government has previously warned companies against doing business with IRISL, threatening secondary sanctions for those who fail to comply. The Chinese government’s decision to allow the ships to depart raises questions about its commitment to enforcing these sanctions.
Verification of Cargo
Whereas reports strongly suggest the cargo includes sodium perchlorate, a key component in solid rocket fuel, independent verification of the exact contents of the ships remains challenging. Satellite imagery and ship tracking data, as cited by the Washington Post, provide strong circumstantial evidence, but a definitive assessment would require physical inspection of the cargo. The Washington Post’s visual forensics investigation supports the claim that the vessels are laden with materials tied to key military chemicals.
The lack of transparency surrounding the shipment further fuels concerns about its true purpose. Iran has consistently maintained that its missile program is for defensive purposes only, but its development of increasingly sophisticated ballistic missiles has raised alarm among its regional adversaries and the international community. The potential for these missiles to be used in offensive operations remains a significant threat.
Looking Ahead
The departure of the Shabdis and Barzin from China marks a potentially significant development in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. China’s decision to allow the shipment to proceed suggests a willingness to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, even if it means risking friction with its allies in the Gulf. The arrival of the ships in Iran will be closely monitored by international observers, who will be looking for any signs that the cargo is being used to accelerate Iran’s missile program.
The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. The United States has not yet publicly commented on the specific shipment, but it is likely to raise the issue with Chinese officials in the coming days. The potential for further escalation in the region remains high, and the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The next key development will be the arrival of the vessels in Iranian ports, expected by Saturday, March 14, 2026, and any subsequent actions taken by the United States or its allies.
Maria Petrova is Editor, World at World Today Journal.
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