Is Iran faring any better for their Zulfiqar MBT project? Or do they simply have more-open access to OEM Russian 125mm gun than North Korea?
No idea. Iran has been very secretive about its defence industries since the Revolution in 1979. AIUI, the Zulfigar MBT has gone through a couple of designs and in the last 5-10 years their ability to source new machinery has been rather limited by both finances and politics.
Though I have heard that PRC is exporting new gun barrels as upgrade to early 125mm guns as well......
What about Iran's ability to procure quality 105mm guns to upgrade their T-54s? And if they want to go with the "intimidation" route, they can put Kornet missile launchers on those upgraded T-54s, North-Korean-style, too......
*SIGH* I don't think the Iranians want to intimidate anybody, they're just rather touchy about how they perceive the rest of the world perceiving them. The Chinese would be a good source but like anything the Chinese produce you would need a carefully worded contract and on hand quality control people to ensure the quality control was up to scratch at production.