US Suspects Iran Transferred Short-Range Ballistic Missiles to Russia

The United States has informed its allies that it suspects Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This information was disclosed by two sources familiar with the intelligence findings, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Details about the number of missiles transferred or the timing of the deliveries were not revealed. However, this intelligence indication has raised alarm among U.S. officials, who have voiced concerns regarding Iran’s increasing support for Russia.

The White House has yet to confirm the transfer of these weapons but has emphasized its worry about Iran’s actions. For months, the U.S. has cautioned Iran against supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

According to Sean Savett, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, “Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians.” He further noted that such cooperation poses a threat to European security and demonstrates Iran’s destabilizing influence around the globe.

This announcement comes as the Kremlin is grappling with Ukraine’s unexpected offensive, which has resulted in the reclaiming of approximately 500 square miles of territory within Russia’s Kursk region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging allies to provide advanced Western-supplied missiles that could target deep inside Russia, aiming at sites from which Moscow has launched aerial assaults.

In response to U.S. allegations, Iranian officials have denied any arms supply to Russia. Iran’s mission to the United Nations released a statement claiming that it regards unsolicited military assistance to those engaged in conflict as inhumane. The statement asserts that Iran not only refrains from such actions but also calls on other nations to halt their arms supplies to all parties involved.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns highlighted the increasingly “troubling” military partnerships developing among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He expressed concern that these collaborations pose threats not only to Ukraine but also to Western allies in the Middle East.

The intelligence community in the U.S. has previously reported that North Korea has been supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Simultaneously, Iran has been providing Moscow with attack drones and contributing to the establishment of a drone-manufacturing facility within Russian borders.

Although China has not furnished Russia with weaponry of its own, it has significantly increased the supply of machine tools, microelectronics, and various technologies that Russia uses to produce its ammunition and military hardware.

The U.S. administration has been on high alert regarding a potential arms deal between Iran and Russia. Earlier this year, U.S. intelligence officials indicated that while no deal had yet been finalized, discussions regarding missile acquisition were progressing actively.

Reports have indicated that Iran hosted a senior Russian defense official last September to showcase a variety of ballistic missile systems, further escalating apprehensions about a potential bilateral agreement.

To counter Iran’s missile procurement efforts, the U.S. and other nations have initiated measures aimed at obstructing the supply, sale, or transfer of ballistic missile-related equipment. This includes issuing guidance to private firms to ensure they do not unwittingly aid Iran’s missile development pursuits.

Amid these developments, President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday. As stated by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, discussions will revolve around “continuing robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.”

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the findings related to U.S. intelligence regarding the situation.

Source: Associated Press