Iran Delivers Ballistic Missiles to Russia Despite Warnings

Two American media outlets have reported that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, despite warnings from Western countries; however, the Islamic Republic's representative at the United Nations denied these reports. Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, September 7, that Iran recently delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Bloomberg cited informed sources stating that the U.S. has informed its allies about this matter. Three days prior, the news agency reported that Ukraine's allies suspected that the delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia would occur within a few days. Reports about the potential 'imminent transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia' were also mentioned, with The Wall Street Journal quoting an American official stating that the United States has recently informed its allies that the missile delivery has taken place. According to this report, the shipment included more than 200 short-range ballistic missiles. The Wall Street Journal also quoted a European official stating that this shipment is 'not the end' and that the transfer of weapons from Tehran to Moscow continues. Both American media outlets reported that the U.S. and the European Union are preparing to impose sanctions against this action by Tehran. According to The Wall Street Journal, the new set of EU sanctions against Iran will likely include sanctions on Iran Air, the national airline, as well as several individuals and entities related to the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. Meanwhile, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, announced that Washington is concerned about reports of missile deliveries from Iran to Russia, stating that any transfer of ballistic missiles indicates an 'escalation of Iran's support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.' An American official also told Reuters that Washington is closely monitoring the missile transfer between Iran and Russia. Meanwhile, Iran's representative at the United Nations denied the reports about missile deliveries to Russia on Friday, stating that the Islamic Republic's position 'regarding the Ukraine conflict has not changed' and that Iran considers military assistance to either side 'inhumane.' According to IRNA, the Islamic Republic's representative office added that Iran 'not only does not engage in such actions but also calls on other countries to stop sending weapons to the parties involved in the conflict.' Cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has increased since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, and the Islamic Republic has sent a large number of drones and other military equipment to Russia. The news of Iran's decision to send ballistic missiles to Russia has been discussed for some time, and Reuters reported on August 10 that a group of Russian military personnel had traveled to Iran to receive training on the use of the 'Fateh 360' ballistic missiles. Reuters cited European sources stating that hundreds of these missiles are expected to be delivered to Russia soon. In recent months, American and European officials have warned that such actions would face a 'swift and severe' response. The Islamic Republic has consistently denied sending weapons to Russia for use against civilians in Ukraine; however, Western and Ukrainian officials have presented multiple pieces of evidence of Iranian-made weapons, including Shahed drones, being sent to Russia.