Scientific Collaboration on Rare Earths
China is expanding its scientific collaboration with Iran into the strategically sensitive field of rare earths. The National Natural Science Foundation of China recently unveiled a joint workshop program with its Iranian counterpart. This initiative explicitly lists the exploration and processing of rare earth elements among five key areas selected for bilateral cooperation. Consequently, the Chinese foundation will provide roughly $4,200 for each workshop to cover meetings and domestic travel expenses. Meanwhile, the Iran National Science Foundation will actively assist with international travel and accommodation for visiting researchers.
Strategic Timing and Geopolitical Tensions
This scientific cooperation comes at a particularly sensitive time due to the unresolved US-Israel war on Iran. Rare earths remain absolutely critical for manufacturing modern weapons, including long-range precision missiles and advanced radar systems. Recently, the United States reportedly used virtually all of its long-range precision missiles during the five-month conflict. In response, the Trump administration quickly announced $3 billion of investments in critical-mineral projects. Ultimately, Washington aims to replenish its depleted weapons stocks and rapidly reduce its heavy reliance on Chinese supply chains.
China’s Dominance and Iran’s Potential
Currently, China possesses the world’s largest rare earth reserves and heavily dominates global production. After US President Donald Trump launched a trade war last year, Beijing aggressively restricted the overseas transfer of related processing technologies. By comparison, Iran’s rare earth potential remains poorly understood but potentially significant. Recent exploration has identified promising geological anomalies across about 7,000 square kilometers of central Iran. However, Iranian extraction capabilities remain at an early stage, leaving the country a long way from achieving full industrial-scale processing.
Reference
Xin, L., & Xin, L. (2026, 12 agosto). China is sending scientists to Iran for rare earth ‘exploration and processing’. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3363814/china-sending-scientists-iran-rare-earth-exploration-and-processing?share=MZpmrLpxp7vUrvBapRzcQtT8cihJGw7yU6OooRL%2BpIa23cNBwD2zn9jm1w%2B5BEZnj4ZNwV9%2BBmRzR5pQA948BzmElB3RAryKNaAqO4XCR4E%3D&utm_campaign=social_share