European Union: The Delivery of Ballistic Missiles Indicates a Significant Increase in Iran's Support for Russia's Aggression Against Ukraine

A senior EU official told Voice of America that the union is aware of "credible information provided by our allies regarding the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia." Peter Stano, the chief spokesperson for the EU's foreign relations commission, stated in a written response to the Persian section of Voice of America: "We are reviewing this [issue] further with member states," and if the Iranian government's actions are confirmed, it would signify a significant increase in the Islamic Republic's support for Russia's "aggressive [and] illegal war against Ukraine." He added, "The common position of European leaders has always been clear. The EU will respond swiftly and in coordination with international allies." The chief spokesperson for the EU's foreign relations commission noted that "new and significant restrictive measures against Iran" are among the actions being considered by the union. Meanwhile, John South, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, responded on Friday to Voice of America's request for comments on recent reports of ballistic missile deliveries from the Islamic Republic to Russia, stating that this action would have consequences for the Iranian government. He noted in a comment sent to Voice of America on Friday, September 16, that "we are aware of these concerning reports and view this transfer as indicative of increased support from the Islamic Republic for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine." In this context, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday, September 19, that it had summoned a senior Iranian diplomat, warning that if the reports about the delivery of ballistic missiles from the Iranian government to Russia are confirmed, there would be "devastating and irreparable consequences" for bilateral relations. Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, rejected these reports on Sunday, claiming that the Iranian government has "never been part of this conflict and its continuation." Additionally, Fazlollah Nowzari, a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards, also rejected these reports, claiming that this is a "type of psychological warfare." The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, September 16, citing American and European officials, that the Iranian government has provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles. According to the report, an American official confirmed that the missiles have "ultimately been delivered" and that Western officials stated the shipment included hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles. The increasing cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia in recent years has prompted Western countries to impose several extensive sanction packages against individuals and entities involved in these collaborations.