Iran Transfers Ballistic Missiles to Russia Amid Escalating Conflict in Ukraine
📍 Global 🌍
Iran has recently delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its ongoing war against Ukraine, according to two sources familiar with the intelligence. This marks a significant escalation in Iran’s military support for Russia, coming after nearly a year of warnings from U.S. and Western officials about such transfers being in the pipeline.
Key Details on the Missile Transfer:
- Timing and Context: It remains unclear when exactly the missiles were delivered, but their transfer comes at a time when Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine is currently preparing for a potential increase in Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to provide more air defense systems in response to these developments.
- Iran’s Escalating Support for Russia: The provision of ballistic missiles signifies a major escalation in Iran’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Iran had already supplied Russia with hundreds of drones, which Russian forces have employed extensively in their military operations against Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia is constructing a drone-manufacturing facility within its borders with Iran’s assistance.
- Denial by Iran’s UN Mission: Despite the reports, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has denied any missile transfer to Russia. In a statement to CNN, the mission stated that Iran’s position on the Ukraine conflict remains unchanged, describing the provision of military assistance to either side as inhumane. The statement emphasized that Iran abstains from such actions and calls on other countries to cease supplying weapons to the warring parties.
- Background on Russian-Iranian Negotiations: Negotiations between Russia and Iran for the acquisition of close-range ballistic missiles reportedly began as early as last September. During this time, then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Iran to inspect the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Ababil close-range ballistic missile systems. This visit marked the first public display of ballistic missiles to a senior Russian official since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.
- G7 Response and Warnings: In March, the G7 countries issued a joint statement warning of “new and significant measures against Iran” if it proceeded with sending ballistic missiles to Russia. This statement reflects the broader international concern about Iran’s military support to Russia and its potential impact on the conflict in Ukraine.
Broader Implications:
- Increased Military Cooperation and Supplies to Russia: In addition to the Iranian ballistic missile transfers, Russia has also been receiving missiles and missile components from North Korea. China has also been assisting Russia in significantly expanding its defense industrial base, providing crucial support such as machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, and cruise missile technology. This cooperation marks Moscow’s most ambitious military manufacturing expansion since the Soviet era.
- Potential International Repercussions: The missile transfers and ongoing military cooperation between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China could lead to further diplomatic and economic consequences. The international community, including the G7, has signaled the possibility of imposing additional sanctions or measures against Iran if it continues to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Iran’s reported delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia underscores the deepening military ties between the two countries amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite denials from Iran’s representatives at the UN, the international community remains vigilant, with potential repercussions looming should these reports be confirmed. The geopolitical landscape continues to shift as alliances and military support networks evolve in response to the war in Ukraine.