Iran is rebuilding missile bases after Israeli attacks but is facing a shortage of a key component — AP

Iran has begun restoring missile facilities that were attacked by Israel during the 12-day war in June. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press on July 24, 2025, confirm that Tehran currently lacks an important component — large mixers for producing solid rocket fuel.

Resumption of the Program and Its Significance

The missile program is critically important for Iran, which is trying to prepare for a possible new wave of conflict with Israel. After the devastating attacks, Iranian air defense systems became less effective, and missiles remained the only means of military deterrence. Experts note that Iran is focusing on acquiring mixers, which is especially relevant in light of the possible imminent restoration of UN sanctions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 24. Restrictions could negatively impact the development of the missile program. In this regard, the need for planetary mixers, which provide better mixing, becomes more acute. Iran could obtain these devices from China, as it has done before.

Scale of Reconstruction and Possible Consequences

Experts note that the successful return of key components will allow Iran to restart its infrastructure. Sam Lehr, an analyst studying Iranian missile bases, emphasizes that any success in their supply will play an important role. Solid-fuel missiles significantly speed up the launch process, which is critical for actions during military operations.

Iran has bases in Khojir and Parchin near Tehran, as well as in Shahroud about 350 kilometers away. These facilities were involved in conflicts with Israel even before tensions increased in the summer. Specialists suggest that Israel’s attacks were aimed at destroying the mixers, the very ones that ensure uniform mixing of rocket fuel.

Satellite Images and Current Situation

Recent satellite images from Planet Labs PBC, analyzed by AP, show the reconstruction of facilities in Parchin and Shahroud. In Parchin, for example, there are observed works on restoring buildings, likely intended for mixing.

The activity of Iranian authorities in restoring missile capabilities indicates the significance of their program. At the same time, it is impossible to compare this with the level of activity at attacked nuclear facilities.

Military Actions and Prospects

During the escalation of conflicts in the summer, Iran struck Israel using 574 ballistic missiles. There were also 330 missiles in preliminary exchanges of fire. The Israeli army estimates Iran’s total arsenal at 2,500 missiles, meaning that the vast majority of resources were actively engaged. There was a possibility of producing more than 200 solid-fuel missiles per month, which further intensified Israeli strikes on these facilities.

Recent events raise questions about Iran’s ability to restore production. If restrictions can be avoided, this will make these volumes even more significant.

China and International Reaction

There were concerns that Iran might rely on China for mixers and chemicals for solid-fuel production. For example, a powerful explosion in a port in Iran in April, which claimed the lives of at least 70 people, could be related to such chemicals. Beijing also initiated sanctions against Chinese companies suspected of supplying missile components.

Consequences for the Region

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard reportedly already brought a planetary mixer to a missile production facility in Syria, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The military presented evidence of this through video. The President of Iran, along with other high-ranking military officials, visited Beijing to participate in a parade, but the exact details of their negotiations were not disclosed.

China, in turn, is commercially interested in stability in the Middle East and does not intend to undermine its own interests in cooperation with Iran. The complex network of relationships and military assistance could become a major factor in the future geopolitical landscape.