Reports on the Imminent Transfer of Ballistic Missiles from Iran to Russia

Bloomberg has reported, citing its sources, that Western countries and Ukraine's allies suspect that Iran will soon deliver ballistic missiles to Russia. In a report published on Monday, September 3, Bloomberg noted that despite Iran having supplied hundreds of drones to Russia during the war against Ukraine, the delivery of ballistic missiles would be a 'worrying development.' The sources did not specify a timeline for the potential delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, but one official told the agency that 'shipments could begin in the coming days.' In recent months, reports have emerged about Iran preparing to send ballistic missiles, and U.S. and EU officials have warned that such an action would be met with a swift and severe response. Bloomberg also reported that Iran's potential action to send these missiles to Russia could provoke a 'rapid reaction' from Ukraine's allies. Cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has increased since the beginning of the war against Ukraine, with the Islamic Republic sending a large number of drones and other military equipment to Russia. However, the news of Iran's decision to send ballistic missiles to Russia has been raised for some time. Reuters reported on August 10 that a group of Russian military personnel had traveled to Iran to receive training on using the 'Fateh 360' ballistic missiles, with expectations that hundreds of these missiles would soon be delivered to Russia. Following the Reuters report, Iran's UN mission stated that there are no restrictions on the trade of conventional weapons between Iran and Russia, but the Islamic Republic 'morally' refrains from transferring weapons to Russia due to the possibility that they 'may be used in the conflict with Ukraine.' The Islamic Republic has not yet responded to Bloomberg's report, and according to the agency, Iran's Foreign Ministry and its UN mission did not respond to Bloomberg's inquiries on the matter. The report of Iran potentially supplying missiles to Russia comes as Kyiv was targeted by 16 missiles and several drones launched by Russia, with officials in Kyiv stating that seven missiles hit the city. According to Bloomberg, Russia, in addition to focusing its economy on the needs of the war against Ukraine, is dependent on military assistance from Iran and North Korea and technological support from China. The agency expects that further sanctions, 'including sanctions on Iran Air,' will be among the anticipated responses to the potential missile shipment to Russia. Additionally, G7 members are likely to hold discussions with Middle Eastern countries regarding their concerns about this issue. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denied sending weapons to Russia for use against civilians in Ukraine; however, Western and Ukrainian officials have provided multiple pieces of evidence of Iranian-made weapons, including Shahed drones, being sent to Russia.