Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that Iran’s regime has begun rebuilding its missile production sites that were targeted during the 12-day war. However, experts say one key component is still missing: large mixers needed for producing solid rocket fuel.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Associated Press reported that rebuilding missile capabilities is vital for the Iranian regime, as Tehran anticipates the possibility of another round of war with Israel in the near future.
According to the report, missiles are one of the few deterrence tools left for Iran after its air defense systems were heavily destroyed in the recent war. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that these systems will never be subject to negotiations with the West.
Missile experts say that acquiring solid-fuel production mixers is Tehran’s main goal, especially given the likelihood that UN sanctions, which also target Iran’s missile program, may be reinstated at the end of this month.
So-called “planetary” mixers, which have blades rotating around a central axis, are essential for evenly blending solid rocket fuel. Iran has previously purchased certain components and materials related to missile fuel from China, and experts say it may turn to this route again.
The AP wrote that satellite images from this month show construction underway at two sites: Parchin and Shahrud.
It is said that the buildings specifically used for fuel mixing are now under repair after the Israeli strike.
The Israeli strikes on these areas apparently targeted precisely these facilities and equipment.
Iran maintains solid-fuel missile production bases in Parchin, Khojir, and Shahrud, which were targeted by Israeli strikes even before the recent war in October 2024.
The speed of reconstruction at these facilities highlights the central role of the missile program for Tehran, in contrast to damaged nuclear sites where no such activity has been observed.
According to reports, Iran’s regime fired 574 ballistic missiles at Israel during the 12-day war, in addition to 330 missiles launched in earlier limited exchanges.
The Israeli military had previously estimated Iran’s missile arsenal at about 2,500 missiles, meaning that more than one-third of these reserves have now been used.
Carl Parkin, a summer fellow at the James Martin Center, told the AP that before the war, the Iranian regime had been on track to produce over 200 solid-fuel missiles per month—a capacity that made its missile production facilities prime targets.
Aziz Nasirzadeh, the regime’s defense minister, said more than a month ago: “The 12-day war with Israel has changed some of our priorities. Now the focus is on producing equipment with higher accuracy and operational capability.”
The Iranian regime may rely on China to obtain mixers and missile fuel—similar chemicals are believed to have played a role in the massive explosion at Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas, which killed at least 70 people.
A few days later, the United States sanctioned Chinese companies linked to the sale of propellant materials to Iran.
Reports indicate that the IRGC previously transferred a planetary mixer to underground missile production facilities in Masyaf, Syria.
The Israeli military earlier released images showing that the device at this facility closely resembled products made by Chinese companies.
Experts say that in addition to fuel, Beijing could also provide Iran with guidance systems and microprocessors necessary for its missiles.
A Hudson Institute analyst believes that if the Iranian regime uses its ties with China to strengthen its military capabilities, the 12-day war will amount to only a short pause, not a decisive defeat.
