The United States has informed its allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, according to two individuals familiar with the intelligence assessment. These sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, did not provide specifics regarding the number of missiles transferred or the exact timing of the deliveries but confirmed the U.S. intelligence findings.
This development signals a deepening of Iran’s military support for Russia, which has drawn concern from Western officials. While the White House has refrained from publicly confirming the weapons transfer, it reiterated its warnings about Iran’s growing involvement in the conflict. For months, the Biden administration has cautioned Tehran not to provide ballistic missiles to Moscow, emphasizing the potential consequences of such actions.
“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,” stated National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett. He added that this partnership poses a direct threat to European security and highlights the broader destabilizing influence of Iran, not just in the Middle East but globally.
A New Front in the Ukraine Conflict
The revelation comes as Ukraine continues its counteroffensive, which has made significant gains, including the capture of around 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers) in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressuring Western allies for more advanced weapons, particularly long-range missiles, to strike deeper into Russian territory. These missiles would help Kyiv target the bases from which Moscow has been launching aerial attacks against Ukraine.
Iran, however, denied any involvement in supplying Russia with ballistic missiles. In a statement from its mission to the United Nations, Tehran rejected the U.S. intelligence findings, calling the provision of military aid to parties engaged in the conflict “inhumane.” The statement added that Iran is committed to urging other nations to cease supplying weapons to the sides involved in the war, stressing that military assistance only worsens human casualties and prolongs the conflict.
This is not the first time Iran has been accused of aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iran has previously supplied Moscow with attack drones, which have been used extensively in Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Furthermore, Iran has assisted Russia in establishing drone-manufacturing capabilities on Russian soil. These moves have attracted harsh criticism from the U.S. and its allies, who view Iran’s support as a critical factor in prolonging the war.
A Troubling Axis: Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea
CIA Director William Burns, during a joint appearance in London with his British intelligence counterpart, expressed deep concern over the growing defense ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He warned that this axis threatens not only Ukraine but also the security interests of Western nations in the Middle East and beyond.
While China has refrained from providing direct military aid to Russia, it has significantly increased its sales of technology and equipment, including microelectronics and machine tools, which Moscow has repurposed for missile and tank production. U.S. officials have voiced concerns over China’s role in supporting Russia’s war machine through these indirect means.
In addition to Iran’s drone support, the U.S. has previously declassified intelligence showing that North Korea has been supplying Russia with ammunition and missiles. These transfers underscore the growing international collaboration among nations opposed to Western influence, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war.
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A Long-Standing Concern
The potential missile transfer has been a source of anxiety for the White House for months. In January 2024, U.S. intelligence agencies reported that negotiations between Russia and Iran to acquire ballistic missiles were advancing, though a deal had not been finalized at that time. Adding to concerns, Iran hosted a high-ranking Russian defense official last year, showcasing a variety of ballistic missile systems. This event heightened fears in Washington that an arms deal between the two countries could materialize.
Efforts to disrupt the supply of ballistic missile components and technology to Iran have been ongoing. The U.S. and its allies have issued guidance to private companies in an effort to prevent them from inadvertently supporting Iran’s missile program. Additionally, sanctions have been imposed on individuals and entities involved in Iran’s procurement of missile-related materials.
A Broader Geopolitical Challenge
As Iran and Russia’s defense ties continue to grow, the Biden administration remains focused on supporting Ukraine. The issue of continued military aid to Ukraine will be a key topic when President Joe Biden meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House later this week. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the two leaders will discuss their joint efforts to provide robust support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The deepening relationship between Russia and Iran not only complicates the war in Ukraine but also has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and Europe, posing significant challenges for the U.S. and its allies in the years ahead.
