Britain Summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires Over Allegations of Missile Shipment to Russia

The UK Foreign Office summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in London regarding allegations of sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. The summoning of Ali Matinfar on Wednesday, September 12, was ordered by David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, who is currently in Ukraine with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mr. Blinken accused Tehran on Tuesday during his visit to London of sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine and warned that this action would lead to 'escalation of tensions.' In response to the confirmation of the ballistic missile shipment from Tehran to Russia, the UK, along with France and Germany, announced sanctions against Iran Air. The UK has also sanctioned several key individuals and organizations due to their 'military support' for Russia, including those involved in the supply chain of weapons for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. However, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, described the allegation of sending ballistic missiles to Russia as news 'based on false information and flawed logic.' He wrote on social media platform X on Wednesday: 'Iran has not sent ballistic missiles to Russia. Period.' The Iranian Foreign Minister also criticized the imposition of further sanctions against the Islamic Republic, stating that 'sanctions are not a solution but part of the problem.' A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office, referring to the summoning of Mr. Matinfar, stated: 'The UK government has made it clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would lead to dangerously escalating tensions and would be met with a significant response.' Western media and officials say that cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has increased since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, with the Islamic Republic sending a large number of drones and other military equipment to Russia. Reports of Iran's decision to send ballistic missiles to Russia have been circulating for some time, and Reuters reported on August 10 that a group of Russian military personnel had gone to Iran to receive training for the use of the 'Fateh 360' ballistic missiles. Reports indicated that hundreds of these missiles are expected to be delivered to Russia soon. US and EU officials have warned in recent months that such an action would provoke a 'swift and severe' response. The Islamic Republic of Iran has previously denied sending weapons to Russia for use against civilians in Ukraine; however, Western and Ukrainian officials have provided multiple pieces of evidence of Iranian-made weapons, including Shahed drones, being sent to Russia.