G7 Condemns Transfer of Iranian Missiles to Russia; Zarif Criticizes New Sanctions

The foreign ministers of the G7 industrial nations issued a statement condemning the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. On Saturday, September 15, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the High Representative of the European Union, announced that they strongly condemn the export of ballistic missiles by Iran and their purchase by Russia, and will take specific measures in this regard. The statement reads: "Evidence shows that Iran continues to transfer weapons to Russia despite repeated international requests, and this action has intensified Iran's military support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine." The G7 foreign ministers further stated that "Russia has used Iranian weapons, including drones, to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure in the country," and deemed Russia's aggression a clear violation of international law, including the UN Charter. The statement calls on Iran to immediately cease all its support for Russia's illegal and unjust war against Ukraine and to refrain from transferring ballistic missiles, drones, and related technologies, which they describe as a direct threat to the people of Ukraine and international security in Europe. The G7 foreign ministers emphasized their commitment to holding Iran accountable for its unacceptable support of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, which further undermines global security. Reports about the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia have been circulating since last week, and subsequently, the US, the European Troika, and the European Union confirmed these reports separately. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister criticized the new sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Abbas Araqchi described the Western sanctions against Iran as a failed tool and stated that the Iranian government has "never abandoned constructive dialogue to reach a common understanding on disputed issues." He added: "However, dialogue must be based on mutual respect, not threats and pressure." In an indirect reference to Western officials' statements about the transfer of weapons to Russia, he said: "Countries that once imposed sanctions on us for barbed wire have now reached a point where they claim that Iran is exporting and selling advanced weapons; this is the result of sanctions." Iran and Russia had previously denied the transfer of missiles from Tehran to Moscow. The US Secretary of State stated on September 10 that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and would likely use them in Ukraine within weeks. He also warned that cooperation between Moscow and Tehran threatens broader European security. Following these statements, the US Treasury imposed new sanctions against individuals and entities in Iran and Russia. On the same day, the governments of France, Germany, and the UK strongly condemned the transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia, stating: "This action represents an escalation of tensions by Iran and Russia and poses a direct threat to European security." In a joint statement, these countries announced that the European Troika would take immediate steps to revoke bilateral air service agreements with Iran. Reports also emerged about potential sanctions against Iran Air by these three countries, but a spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's airline stated that flights to European destinations are still operating, saying: "No issue regarding sanctions has been communicated to us yet." On Friday, the US President and the UK Prime Minister expressed concern over Iran's provision of lethal weapons to Russia.