Iran's Ballistic Missile Shipment to Russia Faces 'Swift and Severe' Response from Washington

The United States warned the Islamic Republic that if reports of the shipment of hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia are confirmed, Tehran will face a 'swift and severe' response from Washington. Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, told reporters on Monday, August 22, that the United States has been in contact with its European allies regarding reports of 'Iran's plans to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia.' He added, 'If Iran proceeds with the transfer of these missiles, we are prepared to respond quickly and severely. This, in our view, indicates an escalation of tensions and Iran's support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.' Reuters reported on August 19, citing two European intelligence sources, that a group of Russian military personnel had traveled to Iran to receive training on the use of the 'Fateh 360' ballistic missiles, and hundreds of these missiles are expected to be delivered to Russia soon. The U.S. State Department spokesperson referred to other military assistance from Tehran to Moscow, stating, 'Iranian officials continue to deny that they have delivered any drones to Russia, while there is clear evidence showing that Russia has used these drones in its attacks against civilians in Ukraine and civilian infrastructure.' He also noted that Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian, known as a reformist figure within Iran, had run for office hoping to improve relations with the U.S. and European countries, but 'this duplicity is merely a reminder to the international community that the Iranian regime lacks credibility.' The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities linked to Iran for their role in drone production and their delivery to Russia. Hours before this statement, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Iran showcased its long-range Mohajer-10 drones at a defense exhibition in Russia. IRNA announced that this advanced system was displayed at the Army 2024 International Military-Technical Exhibition, held from Monday to Wednesday at the Patriot Park outside the Russian capital. Although U.S. officials accuse Iran of sending drones, including the Mohajer-6, the previous model of the Mohajer-10, to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine, Tehran denies these accusations. Iran published details of the Mohajer-10 system in summer 2023, stating that this drone has greater range, flight duration, and payload capacity. According to Iranian media claims, this drone has an operational range of 2000 kilometers and can fly for up to 24 hours, with a payload capacity of 300 kilograms, which is double that of the Mohajer-6. Russia has turned to countries under international sanctions to support its operations in the war against Ukraine, with Iran and North Korea among these countries. The United States recently stated that it appears Russia is deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and has received hundreds of one-way and suicide attack drones that are used to attack Ukraine, something Moscow denies. Western officials have repeatedly stated that Iranian weapons play a significant role in Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.