According to authorities from a western nation that regularly watches Iran's weapons program, Iran is getting ready to deploy over 1,000 more weapons, including surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles and more attack drones, to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine.
It would be the first time that Iran sent highly modern precision guided missiles to Russia, which might offer the Russian military a significant advantage. As a result, the shipment is being closely watched, according to CNN.
Iran Helps Russia Amid Ukraine War
The most recent delivery of weapons from Iran to Russia, according to the authorities, contained over 450 drones, which the Russians have already used lethally in Ukraine. Over 300 Iranian drones were allegedly shot down last week, according to Ukrainian officials.
With the delivery of this impending shipment, Iran's contribution to Russia's military endeavor would dramatically increase. Authorities are certain that the weapons will be delivered before the year is over, even though it is unclear exactly when the cargo will arrive in Russia.
Drones have played a significant role in the battle from the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February, but their use has increased since the summer, when the US and Kyiv allege Moscow acquired drones from Iran. Recently, these Iranian drones attacked crucial Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Per NY Post, Iran's involvement in Russia's war operations would significantly increase if it sent ballistic missiles. The information was released just days after the US acknowledged that Iranian personnel had entered Crimea to assist Russian forces in using the drones that Tehran has so far delivered.
Russia-Ukraine War Update
According to Ukraine air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat, as of Friday, Ukraine has shot down roughly 300 of the Iranian drones. Others, though, have been able to circumvent the defenses and target civilian infrastructure and Ukrainians.
The missiles would also help Russia, which arsenal is running short after more than eight months of fighting. Russia, in contrast to the US, only keeps contacts with a small number of nations, such as Iran and China.
In addition to destroying 397 Russian cruise missiles, 55,001 armored battle vehicles, 1,730 pieces of artillery, and 276 fighter planes, Ukraine claimed on Tuesday to have killed more than 72,470 Russian soldiers. These figures, however, have not been independently confirmed.
According to one official, the US would not completely rule out using military force to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Robert Malley, the State Department's special representative to Iran, spoke on Monday morning at a conference hosted by the Carnegie Endowment think tank. He covered US policy toward Iran and its nuclear capabilities, as per Newsweek.
Malley stated that the US is still committed to using diplomatic channels to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Malley did state that the US would not rule out "a military option if required" to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, though, as a last resort.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement that would require Iran to scale back its nuclear enrichment and research projects, was drafted in 2015 with the US as one of the countries engaged. China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union were also parties to the deal.
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