The U.S. and U.K. have accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, sparking international outrage and pledges of severe sanctions.
At a Glance
- The U.S. and Britain accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.
- New sanctions were announced on Moscow and Tehran.
- Iran allegedly trained Russian military personnel to use the Fath-360 missile system.
- Sanctions include restrictions on Iran Air and targeting individuals and businesses involved in missile and drone transfers.
Missiles From Iran to Russia
The United States and the United Kingdom have accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. This aid is alleged to be employed against Ukraine, escalating the ongoing conflict. Both countries condemned Iran’s actions and announced severe sanctions designed to halt the military support and prevent further escalation.
“Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the announcement during a press conference in London. They emphasized that Iran’s provision of missiles is a blatant breach of international norms. Iran supposedly trained Russian military personnel to operate the Fath-360 missile system, a move seen as a significant escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
The United States and Britain formally accused Iran on Tuesday of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine. https://t.co/PY171z958W
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 10, 2024
Sanctions and International Response
In response to the evidence presented, the U.S. and U.K. announced new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran. These include restrictions on Iran Air and targeting individuals and businesses implicated in missile and drone transfers. The administration has also broadened the scope of sanctions on entities associated with Iran’s drone program.
“Publishing wrong and misleading reports about transferring Iranian weapons to some countries is merely an ugly propaganda and lie aimed at hiding illegal massive size weaponry support by the U.S. and some Western nations for genocide in the Gaza Strip,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani claimed in denial of the allegations.
The Institute for the Study of War anticipates that Russian forces will use these missiles to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure in the upcoming fall and winter. This military collaboration signifies a deeper bond between Russia and Iran, with Iran also supplying attack drones and offering assistance with drone manufacturing.
Global Implications and Ongoing Efforts
While Iran and Russia deny these allegations, evidence and intelligence reports highlight increasing cooperation between the two nations. CIA Director William Burns has voiced concerns about the growing defense relations among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These alliances pose a serious threat in terms of regional stability and global security.
To deter further outside involvement in the Ukraine conflict, the U.S., U.K., and other Western allies continue to push for stringent sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Their unity and resolve aim to curtail external support for Russia’s aggressive tactics while advocating for peace and stability in the region.
