Kyiv's Concern Over the Transfer of Ballistic Missiles from the Islamic Republic to Russia: A Threat to Ukraine, Europe, and the Middle East

On Saturday, September 8, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that Kyiv is deeply concerned about reports of the possible transfer of ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia. According to Reuters, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry deemed the "deepening military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow a threat to Ukraine, Europe, and the Middle East" and urged the international community to increase pressure on Iran and Russia. CNN and The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, September 7, citing anonymous sources, that Tehran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Bloomberg had previously reported on Monday, September 4, citing "informed sources" whose identities were not disclosed, that European officials believe the Iranian government will soon deliver ballistic missiles to Russia. According to the American news agency's report, these officials refrained from providing any estimates about the type and range of these missiles as well as the timing of their delivery to Moscow, but one of them indicated that the delivery might begin in the coming days. Additionally, on Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing American and European officials, that Tehran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Moscow. Western officials told the newspaper that the shipment sent to Russia includes hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles. Sources of this report also stated that the Islamic Republic is expected to send more weapons to Russia. In this context, Sean South, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, responded on Friday to a request from Voice of America for comments on recent reports of ballistic missile transfers from the Islamic Republic to Russia, stating that this action will have consequences for the Iranian government. He added: "We are aware of these concerning reports and view this transfer as indicative of the increasing support of the Islamic Republic for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine." Sean South further emphasized that the United States has warned about the "deepening security partnership between Moscow and Tehran since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine." He stressed, "As we and our allies have clearly stated at both the G7 summit and the NATO meeting this summer, we are prepared to impose consequences on the Islamic Republic if these missiles are transferred." Sean South continued by referencing claims made by Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the 14th government of the Islamic Republic, regarding efforts to improve relations between Iran and the West, stating: "Despite these claims, the missile transfer program indicates that the Islamic Republic is still distancing itself from the international community and participating in threats to European security, so we judge the leadership of the Islamic Republic based on their actions, not their claims." Moreover, Reuters first revealed in late August that dozens of Russian military personnel were being trained in Iran to use the short-range ballistic missile system "Fateh 360," and it was reported that hundreds of these satellite-guided missiles are expected to be delivered to Russia soon for use in the war against Ukraine. Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, at that time expressed Washington's deep concern about this issue, stating, "We are still in contact with our European partners and allies regarding potential actions we may take." The White House had previously emphasized in a statement that "the U.S. has repeatedly warned about the deepening security cooperation between Russia and Iran since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This cooperation threatens European security and indicates that Iran's destabilizing influence has expanded beyond the Middle East and across the globe." However, the Islamic Republic's representation at the United Nations on Friday denied reports of ballistic missile transfers to Russia in response to CNN, claiming: "The Islamic Republic considers sending military assistance to the parties involved in the Ukraine conflict, which leads to increased human casualties and infrastructure damage and distances from ceasefire talks, as inhumane." The increasing cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia in recent years has led Western countries to impose several extensive sanctions packages against individuals and entities involved in these collaborations. Experts say that currently, Russia's ballistic missile arsenal consists of missiles made in Russia and low-accuracy missiles made in North Korea. Ahmad Bakhshaei Ardestani, a member of the 12th Parliament and a member of the National Security Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, in an interview with the "Iran Watch" website regarding military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow stated: "Iran exports drones and missiles to Russia in line with its economic and political cooperation. In return, the Russians cooperate with Iran to circumvent sanctions; we import many of our goods from Iran through Russia." He elaborated on the nature of Iran and Russia's cooperation, stating: "We need to barter for our needs, including the import of soybeans and wheat. One part of the barter includes sending missiles and another part sending military drones to Russia." Ahmad Bakhshaei Ardestani, in response to the question, "Could the news of Iran's ballistic missile shipment to Russia lead to more sanctions and the potential activation of the snapback mechanism?" told Iran Watch: "There is no color darker than black. We give missiles to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Hashd al-Shaabi, so why not to Russia?" This admission by the parliament member regarding the Islamic Republic's military assistance to its proxy groups comes at a time when military and political officials of the Iranian government have repeatedly denied military assistance to these groups. More military assistance from the West to Ukraine; Zelensky in fear and hope of victory over the Russians. Is there a strategic partnership between Russia and the Islamic Republic? Erfan Noorbaksh explains. The Wall Street Journal: The U.S. has told European allies that the Islamic Republic has provided ballistic missiles to Russia. Zelensky called for support from Ukraine's allies to confront Russia. Joe Biden approved an additional $250 million in aid to Ukraine. The White House asked American tech giants to help users in Iran and Russia bypass government censorship. The U.S. charged several Russian intelligence officials for cyberattacks on Ukraine. Russia says it will revise its nuclear doctrine.