U.S. warns ‘significant consequences’ over Iranian missile transfers to Russia
A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
The United States on Monday issued a stern warning to Iran, following reports that Tehran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles for use in its ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. officials said any confirmed transfer of such weapons would be met with “significant consequences,” further complicating Iran’s already strained relations with the West.
The allegations emerged last week, with U.S. media citing anonymous sources claiming that Iran had transferred ballistic missiles to Russia. The European Union, echoing Washington’s concerns, said it had received “credible” intelligence from its allies about the delivery of Iranian missiles. If true, the transfer would represent a serious escalation of Tehran’s involvement in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel stressed that Washington had been monitoring Iran’s support for Russia closely and was prepared to act. “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,” Patel said. “We have been clear… that we’re prepared to deliver significant consequences.”
While the exact nature of those consequences has not been disclosed, the Biden administration has consistently vowed to take decisive action against any country providing material support to Russia in its war effort. Earlier in the conflict, the U.S. sanctioned multiple Iranian entities for supplying drones to Moscow, which Ukrainian forces say have been used in daily attacks.
Iranian officials, however, have categorically denied the missile claims. “We strongly reject the claims on Iran’s role in exporting arms to one side of the war,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani during a press briefing. Tehran has maintained that its military cooperation with Russia does not extend to the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin, when asked about the allegations, did not offer a direct denial. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Iran remains a key partner for Russia, and the two nations are continuing to develop their cooperation in various sectors, including military cooperation in sensitive areas.
The reports have raised concerns in Washington about Iran’s increasing role in sustaining Russia’s war effort. As Moscow grapples with sanctions from the West, it has turned to countries like Iran and North Korea for weapons and military supplies to keep its war machine operational.
The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Tehran against further deepening its military ties with Moscow, particularly following the election of Masoud Pezeshkian, a figure seen by some as a potential reformist. U.S. officials believe that if Iran is confirmed to have supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, it could further isolate Tehran from the international community, especially as it attempts to rebuild diplomatic relations with Western nations.
The transfer of ballistic missiles would represent a significant shift in Iran’s military support for Russia, which until now has primarily involved drones. “Any such development would be a major material escalation,” Patel noted, underscoring that Washington’s response would be swift and coordinated with its allies.
