Concerns of U.S. and U.K. Leaders Over Iran's Delivery of Lethal Weapons to Russia

The President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom expressed concern over Iran's provision of lethal weapons to Russia; the leaders of the two countries also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine against Moscow's aggression. The meeting between Joe Biden and Keir Starmer took place on Friday, September 23, at the White House, and according to a White House statement, the two sides discussed multiple issues and emphasized their continued support for Ukraine. The statement noted that the leaders expressed concern over the provision of lethal weapons from Iran and North Korea to Russia, as well as China's assistance in establishing Moscow's defense industry. The meeting occurred as U.S. officials and three European countries recently confirmed the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia and announced plans for punitive sanctions against Tehran. Europe considers the delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia a 'direct threat' to its own security, while Iranian officials have denied sending ballistic missiles to Russia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Friday marked the second anniversary of the downing of the first Iranian Shahed drone in the country, stating that during this time, Russia has launched 8,060 Shahed drones towards Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, 'the partnership between Russia and Iran has led to the destruction of homes and loss of lives.' In the White House statement, Joe Biden and Keir Starmer emphasized their 'unwavering support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.' The two countries have been key allies of Kyiv since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and prior to this meeting, it was reported that the issue of granting Ukraine permission to use long-range Western weapons was among the topics of their discussions. Mr. Biden stated at the beginning of the meeting with the British Prime Minister that the United States is 'committed to helping Ukraine against Russia's aggressive attack' and asserted that 'Putin will not win this war.' Mr. Starmer also emphasized his country's support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, calling the upcoming weeks in this war 'very important and critical.' In recent days, Russia has increased its efforts to advance in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, while also preparing a counter-offensive against Ukrainian forces in Kursk. Ukraine has repeatedly requested permission to use long-range Western weapons in recent months. The United States has so far been reluctant to grant such permission to avoid escalating tensions, but there have been speculations about a possible change in this policy in recent days. However, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, dismissed these speculations, stating shortly before the meeting of the U.S. and U.K. leaders that Washington has no plans to change this policy. According to the White House statement, the leaders of the U.S. and U.K. also emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring Israel's security, and cooperation between the two countries in clean energy and advanced technologies was also discussed. They condemned the attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea, and Joe Biden also recalled his support for the Belfast Agreement and its role in maintaining peace in Northern Ireland.