British Defense Minister Claims Iran Has Supplied Ballistic Missiles to Russia

Grant Shapps, the British Defense Minister, believes that the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided ballistic missiles to Russia. In an interview with 'House' magazine, he confirmed that the UK has information regarding reports of ground-to-ground missile deliveries from Iran to Russia but declined to provide details. Reuters reported in February that the Islamic Republic had supplied a significant number of ballistic missiles to Russia. This report was accompanied by a swift warning from the United States, which stated that if true, Iran would face a 'hard' response from the international community. The Islamic Republic has denied supplying missiles to Russia. Grant Shapps stated, 'Whether the Islamic Republic has given ballistic missiles to Russia or Shahed drones, we have seen that if there is a problem in the world, it is often fed by the Islamic Republic.' In early March, Reuters reported exclusively, citing six knowledgeable sources, that the Iranian government had sent a large number of powerful ground-to-ground ballistic missiles to Russia. Three Iranian sources told Reuters that Iran had delivered around 400 missiles, including short-range ballistic weapons like 'Fateh-110' and 'Zolfaqar.' According to experts, these road-mobile missiles can target points at distances of 300 to 700 kilometers. John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman at the White House, expressed concern earlier in January about the progress of negotiations between Iran and Russia regarding the Kremlin's purchase of short-range ballistic missiles. He stated that Washington would refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council in addition to imposing further sanctions. The UN Security Council had imposed sanctions on Iran's missile exports, which were set to expire in October 2023. However, the US and the EU maintained these sanctions due to concerns about the continued export of these weapons to proxy groups in the Middle East and Russia. Kyiv has repeatedly urged Tehran to stop sending Shahed drones to Russia, as these drones, along with a range of other missiles, have become a key element in Moscow's long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The US response to the report of 'ballistic missile shipments from Iran to Russia': Iran should expect more sanctions. Reuters: The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. The US has once again criticized the Islamic Republic for supporting Russia in the Ukraine war. Zelensky: Delays in foreign aid have made the situation on the front lines 'very difficult.' The Ukrainian army: We have destroyed 14 Iranian-made 'Shahed' drones.