Ukraine Does Not Rule Out Cutting Ties with the Islamic Republic Over Missile Delivery to Russia

Kyiv reacted on Tuesday to reports of ballistic missiles being sent from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia, stating that any delivery of these weapons to Russia is 'unacceptable.' Ukraine also announced that if Russia uses the ballistic missiles imported from Iran to attack Ukraine, Kyiv could sever its relations with the Islamic Republic. According to Reuters, Ukraine stated that if the reports regarding the missile delivery are confirmed, it would have 'devastating consequences' for the country's relations with Tehran. The spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, in response to the question of whether Kyiv could cut ties with Tehran, said: 'I am not saying exactly what the devastating consequences mean, so as not to weaken our diplomatic position. But I can say that all options, including the one you mentioned, are on the table.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, did not directly mention Iran but committed to coordinating a strong global response to any power that assists Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky said: 'I want to tell everyone in the world who still wants to help Putin in any way... We will do everything not only to defend our country and people but also for the true unity of the world to respond strongly to the warmongering or any attempts to prolong it.' Ukraine's allies, including the United States, have stated that the delivery of missiles by the Islamic Republic to Russia would mean 'escalation of tensions' and that further sanctions would be imposed on Tehran. Meanwhile, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, announced on Tuesday the signing of a new bilateral treaty between the Islamic Republic and Russia in the near future. The Kremlin had previously stated on Monday that it is developing comprehensive dialogue with the Islamic Republic. Ukraine reduced its relations with Iran in 2022 due to the supply of Shahed drones by the Islamic Republic to Russia, which Moscow's forces have since used for regular long-range attacks. Closer ties between Russia and the Islamic Republic; Shoigu announced the signing of a new bilateral treaty in the near future. The U.S., U.K., France, and Germany are sanctioning Iran Air. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 20 individuals, entities, and vessels in Iran and Russia. The U.S. stated that it would respond to the delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia with 'significant consequences.' The European Union stated that the delivery of ballistic missiles signifies a significant increase in the Islamic Republic's support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine.