Intelligence sources also told CNN that the sodium perchlorate was purchased by the Procurement Department of the Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization, which is responsible for developing Iran's ballistic missile capacity. Sodium perchlorate is not in itself in violation of sanctions against Iran; however, it can be transformed into ammonium perchlorate, which is used to fuel Iranian rockets such as Kheibar Shekan or Haj Qasem missiles.
Inorganic chemistry professor Andrea Sella told CNN that "There really aren’t very many alternative things" that the chemical could be used for other than rocket fuel. China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry told CNN it was “not aware of the specifics of the case." The ministry further reiterated that it opposed “illegal unilateral sanctions” and “arbitrary smearing and accusations that lack evidence.” (Read More)