Washington Expresses Concern Over Iran-Russia Negotiations for Ballistic Missile Sales

John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House, expressed concern on Thursday, January 4, regarding the progress of negotiations between the Islamic Republic and Russia for the Kremlin to purchase short-range ballistic missiles from Tehran. He stated that Washington would refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council in addition to imposing further sanctions. Kirby said, "We have previously stated publicly that Russia is seeking to acquire short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. Currently, we do not believe that Iran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia; however, the United States is concerned that negotiations for Russia to obtain short-range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively progressing." This senior NSC official added, "According to press reports four months ago, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hosted the Russian Defense Minister, showcasing the Ababil short-range ballistic missiles and other missile systems. This event was the first public display of ballistic missiles to a senior Russian official visiting Iran." He continued, "Recently, in mid-last month, the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stationed several ballistic missiles and support systems in a training area within Iran for display to visiting guests. We assess that the Russian delegation visited with the intent of purchasing missile systems." Kirby also mentioned that Russia has purchased ballistic missiles from North Korea and is currently employing them. Regarding the Biden administration's actions to counter these two countries, which he described as current suppliers of weapons to Russia, he said, "First, Russia's purchase of ballistic missiles from North Korea directly violates several UN Security Council resolutions, and therefore we will raise these arms contracts at the UN Security Council alongside our allies and partners and demand that Russia be held accountable for its violations of international obligations." He continued, "Second, we will impose further sanctions against those who facilitate the transfer of weapons between Russia and North Korea, and Russia and Iran." Kirby stated, "Third, we will continue to publicly disclose such agreements to expose these arms transactions, as we will not allow these two countries and others collaborating with Russia to secretly aid Russia's war machine." He took this opportunity to once again urge the U.S. Congress to address and approve the request for continued military assistance to Ukraine as soon as possible.