White House: Russian Wagner Group Plans to Deliver Military Weapons to Iran and Hezbollah

The Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council of the White House stated on Tuesday that U.S. intelligence indicates that the Russian Wagner military group, under the orders of the Russian government, is considering sending air defense systems to Iran or Hezbollah in Lebanon. John Kirby added that the U.S. is closely monitoring this situation and is prepared to impose and enforce anti-terrorism sanctions against entities and individuals involved in this transfer of equipment. He also warned the private sector once again not to provide Iran with the necessary equipment for producing weapons needed by Russia to avoid being subject to sanctions from the U.S. and its partners. Kirby explained that the Islamic Republic may be considering providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use by the Kremlin in Ukraine, stating, 'The U.S. is monitoring this military cooperation situation and will take necessary actions if needed.' John Kirby noted that the Islamic Republic has so far delivered drones, guided bombs, and artillery munitions to Russia, which Moscow has used in its attacks on Ukraine, and it is now likely preparing for further military support from Russia. He continued that Iran hosted the Russian Defense Minister in September at an internal military exhibition where the Russian official closely observed various types of short-range missiles, including the Fateh 110 missile. Kirby added that in exchange for sending such missiles, the Russians are providing Iran with various other missiles, electronic warfare technology, and air defense systems. According to this senior National Security media official, Iran intends to purchase billions of dollars in military equipment and supplies, and the Russians are significantly assisting Iran in advancing its satellite program, especially reconnaissance satellites. Kirby reiterated that Iran has so far sent not only drones, including suicide types, but also artillery munitions, adding that military cooperation between Tehran and the Kremlin is harmful not only to Ukraine but also to Iran's neighbors. This National Security Council media official also reacted to the seizure of a cargo ship belonging to Britain and Japan by the Houthis in southern Red Sea, calling this action by the Iran-backed group a blatant violation of international law and stating that Iran, given its financial, military, and moral support to the Houthis, is complicit in this action. He continued that the Biden administration has begun reviewing the re-inclusion of this group in the list of foreign terrorist organizations and urged the Houthis to release the ship and crew immediately and unconditionally. The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that U.S. officials have warned that the Islamic Republic is preparing to send advanced short-range missiles to Russia.