Europe Considers Iranian Missile Transfers to Russia a 'Direct Threat' to Its Security

The European Union has strongly condemned the transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia and announced that it will soon impose new restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in Iran's missile and drone programs. In a statement published on Friday, September 23, on the EU's website, the EU described the transfer of these missiles to Russia as a 'direct threat to Europe's security.' The statement noted that the transfer of these weapons 'demonstrates an increase in Iran's support for Russia in terms of drones and other weaponry that Russia uses in its illegal aggressive war against Ukraine.' The EU emphasized that it will respond swiftly and in coordination with its international partners through 'new and significant restrictive measures' against the Islamic Republic of Iran and individuals and entities related to Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs. The EU also announced that it is examining restrictive measures regarding services provided to Iran's aviation industry. Three days prior, the German Foreign Ministry announced that the governments of France, Germany, and Britain would impose sanctions on Iran Air in condemnation of the transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia. The statement mentioned that the European Troika would take immediate steps to revoke bilateral air service agreements with Iran. In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the actions of these three European countries, calling their statement 'unconventional' and stating that this action is 'economic terrorism' against the Iranian people. The EU's statement on Friday indicated that it has consistently maintained a clear position regarding Iran's involvement in the war in Ukraine and has repeatedly warned Tehran about the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Amidst Russia's recent heavy attacks on Ukraine, which have been carried out using ballistic missiles and drones, the Wall Street Journal reported on September 7 that Iran had sent these short-range missiles to Russia. The following day, both the Associated Press and the New York Times published similar reports citing their sources. This is the latest in a series of reports regarding the transfer of sensitive weapons from Iran to Russia. The EU noted that given Russia's recent attacks, particularly against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, Russia is now capable of using Iranian ballistic missiles to inflict further suffering and destruction in Ukraine. Iranian officials have denied sending ballistic missiles to Russia, and the Kremlin has refrained from explicitly denying this claim while emphasizing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in 'the most sensitive areas.' Until recently, the Islamic Republic of Iran was officially under suspicion of having supplied offensive drones, including the 'Shahed 136' model, to Russia, which have been used to attack civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine beyond the battlefield. Tehran is also accused of training Russian forces in the use of drones in Iran and Russia and assisting in the establishment of a drone parts manufacturing plant in Russia.