White House: Russia intends to purchase missile systems from Iran

John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, stated on Thursday, January 4, that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Kirby added that Washington believes Russia intends to purchase missile systems from the Iranian government. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing American officials, that Russia is planning to buy short-range ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic. According to the Wall Street Journal, if an agreement is reached between Tehran and Moscow, the delivery of missiles from Iran to Russia could take place this spring, but American officials do not believe that the agreement has been finalized yet. The American newspaper reported that the United States is concerned that the increasing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran will not only assist Russia's military capabilities in the war in Ukraine but will also enhance the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic in the Middle East and potentially generate revenue to strengthen the economy of the Islamic Republic, which has been damaged by Western sanctions. So far, Russia has purchased a large number of drones from the Islamic Republic to enhance its military capabilities in targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Moscow and Tehran are also building a new factory for the mass production of drones. American officials stated last November that Russia has assisted Tehran in developing its satellite program and that there is 'unprecedented defense cooperation' between Tehran and Moscow in developing missile programs, military electronics, and air defense systems. Military assistance from the Islamic Republic to Russia in its deadly attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians has led to several extensive sanctions packages imposed by Western countries against Iran. In another part of his remarks on Thursday, Kirby said that North Korea has recently provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia. According to Kirby, the United States will raise this development at the United Nations Security Council. The spokesperson for the National Security Council described the transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia as a 'significant and concerning escalation' and stated that the United States will impose further sanctions on facilitators of these arms deals. The Wall Street Journal also confirmed in its report on Thursday that Russia has begun the delivery of ballistic missile launchers and dozens of ballistic missiles from North Korea. The report, citing military analysts, added that Moscow's access to missiles from the Islamic Republic and North Korea could enhance Russia's military capabilities in countering Ukraine's air defenses.