Iran rejected on Friday any claims of providing ballistic missiles to Russia, following the United States' warning of a strong international reaction to such actions.
This week, Iran was said to have given Russia a large number of potent surface-to-surface ballistic weapons, strengthening the military alliance between the two sanctioned countries by the United States, according to Reuters.
No Missile Sales in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Iran's mission to the United Nations declared that, despite the absence of legal constraints on ballistic missile sales, the country feels a moral obligation to refrain from engaging in weapon transactions during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The mission emphasized that this commitment is grounded in Iran's steadfast adherence to international law and the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
The situation regarding Iran's missile-related decisions is linked to the expiration of UN Security Council restrictions on the export of specific missiles, drones, and associated technologies in October. However, the United States and the European Union continued to impose sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program due to worries about the potential transfer of weapons to regional proxies and Russia.
While initially denying the provision of drones to Russia, Iran later acknowledged supplying a limited number before Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Despite the absence of prevailing international restrictions on ballistic missile sales, Tehran justifies its decision to abstain from weapon transactions during the Russia-Ukraine conflict on moral grounds, aiming to avoid contributing to the prolongation of the war, as per to Voice of America.
Iran's Alleged Transfers of Ballistic Missiles to Russia
During this, reports spread about Iran transferring ballistic missiles to Russia. On February 21, Reuters said Iran has given Russia 400 Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles, including Zolfaghar missiles with a 700-kilometer range. The missile deliveries allegedly began in early January 2024. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine voiced skepticism, saying the material was under verification and that special services sources doubted Iran would deliver missiles to Russia.
The United States also weighed in on the matter, with White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby stating that they could not confirm the reports about Iran transferring ballistic missiles to Russia. Additionally, an American official highlighted prior warnings from Washington regarding Russia's attempts to acquire ballistic missiles from Iran in exchange for increased military cooperation with Tehran.
Reports of Russia seeking Iranian ballistic missiles have circulated for some time, with media outlets disclosing negotiations between the two countries in the preceding year. The discussions gained attention amid the active supply of Iranian Shahed drones to Russian forces.
Earlier in January, the Wall Street Journal reported on progressing negotiations between Russia and Iran regarding long-range missiles, speculating that deliveries could commence as early as spring. For further insights, readers can refer to the detailed article by RBC-Ukraine, according to RBC Ukraine.
