Fact-Checking: The Islamic Republic Denies Military Aid to Moscow in the War with Ukraine

The United States' decision to impose new sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran following the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia has faced a wave of denial in Tehran. Voice of America, in a detailed report, has fact-checked the Iranian government's claim of not supporting Russia's war efforts in Ukraine through weapon supplies, deeming it incorrect. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, confirmed previous reports on September 11 that Tehran provided ballistic missiles in direct support of Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Tehran denies the delivery of ballistic missiles and assistance to Moscow's war against Ukraine. Amir Saeed Iravani, the Islamic Republic's representative at the United Nations, also denied Iran's involvement in the Ukraine war and called the claim that Tehran sold, exported, or transferred ballistic missiles in violation of its international obligations 'misleading' and 'completely unfounded.' News reports indicate that Russia has received about 200 long-range Fateh-360 missiles made in Iran. The Pentagon stated that Russia's use of these missiles in Ukraine in the coming weeks could lead to 'more deaths of Ukrainian civilians.' Analysts compare the Fateh-260, with a range of 121 kilometers, to the U.S. HIMARS system, which has proven crucial in Ukraine's defense. The United States has not released information to determine whether Iran sent the Fateh-360 missiles to Russia. However, the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department indicate that Washington was aware of Tehran's first contract to supply hundreds of missiles to Moscow and that officials and transport companies facilitated the delivery of these missiles. A spokesperson for the European Union stated that allies of this European bloc have shared 'reliable' information regarding the delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia. In 2023, the European Union created a specific framework for sanctions due to the military support of the Iranian government for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Physical evidence, including missile parts, will only be available if Russia deploys the Fateh-360 in Ukraine. Tehran had also denied sending Iranian Mohajer-6 and Shahed series drones to Russia. However, Ukraine has fully recovered Iranian-made drones, largely intact, as well as remnants of those drones used in attacks, which contradicts this. Furthermore, U.S. intelligence has confirmed the use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine through photographic analysis and other tools. Iranian officials had previously confirmed Tehran's intention to send other types of ballistic missiles to Russia. Despite recent denials, an anonymous Iranian official at that time told Reuters that such shipments would increase in the future. An American official also told the news agency that, however, there were no signs that such deliveries had occurred. A senior Russian security official's visit to Tehran; Medvedev met and discussed with Shoigu. The possibility of exchanging Russian nuclear technology for Iranian ballistic missiles; the U.S. and Britain expressed concerns. The G7 condemned the delivery of ballistic missiles from the Iranian government to Russia. Renewed support from the U.S. and Britain for Ukraine; Biden and Starmer expressed concern over the delivery of deadly weapons from Iran and North Korea to Russia. The delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia; the European Union: 'a direct threat' against us; new actions against the Islamic Republic are forthcoming. The delivery of hundreds of Iranian 'Fateh 360' missiles to Russia; the U.S.: a 'very destabilizing' development.