Alarming Escalation: Iran's Ballistic Missile Transfer to Russia Raises Concerns

The U.S. warns that Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would sharply escalate the Ukraine war. Reports indicate Russia expects delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 missiles from Iran. This has resulted in deepening security ties between the two nations, raising concerns among Western countries.

The United States warned on Friday that any Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would mark a sharp escalation in the Ukraine war. This follows reports of deepened ties between the two countries, specifically through such arms transfers.

In August, Reuters reported that Russia was anticipating the delivery of hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran. The Wall Street Journal confirmed on Friday that Iran had already delivered short-range missiles to Russia, citing an unnamed U.S. official. Furthermore, dozens of Russian military personnel are currently being trained in Iran on the satellite-guided weapons for future use in Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett expressed alarm over these developments, stating, "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." Another U.S. official highlighted that they are closely monitoring the potential Iranian-Russian missile transfers as Western countries, including the United States, have increasingly concerned about the deepening ties between Iran and Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)