G7 Warns Islamic Republic: Providing Ballistic Missiles to Russia Will Lead to 'Severe' Sanctions

On Friday, March 15, G7 member countries warned the Islamic Republic that if it supplies ballistic missiles for use in the Ukraine war to Russia, they will impose new 'severe' sanctions against Iran. This group, which includes the United States, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada, stated in a declaration: 'We again urge third parties to immediately stop material support for Russia's illegal and unjustifiable aggressive war against Ukraine; otherwise, they will face heavy costs.' The G7 announced that if the Islamic Republic continues to provide ballistic missiles or related technologies 'to Russia, we are prepared for a swift and coordinated response, including taking new and significant actions.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed Washington's concerns during his meeting in Vienna on Friday. He told reporters: 'We have sent very clear messages to Iran not to do this... and I think the concern about this possibility and the commitment to respond if necessary is very real and resolute.' A senior U.S. official also told reporters that if Iran decides to sell ballistic missiles to Russia, the costs will far outweigh the benefits, adding: 'It hasn't happened yet, but the risk is real.' Meanwhile, according to Reuters, a senior U.S. official who wished to remain anonymous said on Friday: 'Our message today is clear. If Iran provides ballistic missiles to Russia, the international community's response will be swift and severe.' He mentioned 'banning Iran Air flights in Europe' as one of the options under consideration. This official also added that although the U.S. has not been able to confirm the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia, the Islamic Republic is clearly trying to advance negotiations with Moscow in this regard. Earlier, John Kirby, the National Security Advisor at the White House, stated on Thursday, March 2, that there is still no evidence of ballistic missile transfers from Iran to Russia. He noted that while the Islamic Republic has provided a significant number of drones, guided bombs, and artillery munitions to Russia, Washington still cannot confirm that ballistic missiles have been transferred from Iran to Russia. The UN Security Council's restrictions on the export of certain missiles, drones, and technologies from the Iranian government, which were set to expire on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, have been extended by the United States and the European Union amid ongoing nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic and growing concerns about the transfer of weapons to Shiite militias in the Middle East and to Russia.