U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the missiles provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran to Russia have a "relatively short range," meaning that the Russians can use their longer-range ballistic missiles for more distant targets in Ukraine. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, he made this remark on Tuesday, September 11, during an interview with Yalda Hakim from Sky News, noting that previously, the Russians had used their long-range missiles for closer targets in Ukraine. Blinken indirectly referenced the problems of the Iranian government, stating that Tehran provided these missiles to Moscow at a time when the new head of the Islamic Republic, Masoud Behdasht, claimed they "urgently" need to improve the economy and that there is a "very heavy burden on the country." The U.S. Secretary of State added that the delivery of missiles to Russia during Behdasht's presidency is "exactly the opposite of what they claim to want, which is better relations with other countries and the reduction of sanctions imposed on them due to their behavior." Earlier on Tuesday, he also mentioned that Tehran's missile cooperation with Moscow has broad implications, and further sanctions against the Iranian government, including sanctions on Iran Air, will be imposed. France, Germany, and the UK have also stated they will sanction Iran Air. Ukraine has indicated that it may sever ties with the Islamic Republic. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Washington can verify the shipment of Iranian-made Fateh-360 missiles to Russia, and according to assessments, these missiles will be sent to the battlefronts for use against Ukraine within the next few weeks. General Patrick Ryder added that the transfer of these missiles from the Islamic Republic to Russia is a significant concern and threatens European security, indicating that the destabilizing activities of the Islamic Republic have extended beyond the Middle East. The U.S., UK, France, and Germany are sanctioning Iran Air. The U.S. President announced the consideration of lifting restrictions on Ukraine for using long-range missiles against Russia. Ukraine did not rule out the possibility of severing relations with the Islamic Republic over the missile delivery to Russia. 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. Kyiv warned Tehran that sending ballistic missiles to Russia has "devastating consequences" and summoned the Islamic Republic's chargé d'affaires in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State: Delivery of Missiles to Russia During Behdasht's Term Contradicts His Claims for Improving Iran's Economy
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Iran's missile delivery to Russia, stating it contradicts claims by Iranian officials about improving the economy. This development raises concerns about Iran's destabilizing activities and could lead to further sanctions from Western nations. The situation is significant as it affects international relations and security in Europe.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran has delivered short-range missiles to Russia, which contradicts its stated economic goals and has led to international condemnation and sanctions. The U.S. and European countries are imposing further sanctions on Iran, and Ukraine is considering severing ties with Tehran.
- Iran delivered Fateh-360 missiles to Russia.
- The U.S., UK, France, and Germany are sanctioning Iran Air.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been under international scrutiny for its military activities and support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, which has led to economic sanctions.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%