U.S. Warns of Escalation as Russia Receives Ballistic Missiles from Iran

Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran, which could be used in Ukraine within weeks, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned. This cooperation poses a threat to European security. Washington has privately warned Iran of new sanctions. The situation underscores the deepening alliance between Moscow and Tehran, impacting global security dynamics.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Tuesday that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran, warning that these will likely be deployed in Ukraine within weeks. Speaking in London, Blinken cautioned that this cooperation threatens wider European security.

Blinken emphasized that Washington has warned Tehran that providing missiles to Russia would constitute a dramatic escalation, and new sanctions would be imposed. According to the U.S. intelligence shared with allies, Iran has already trained Russian personnel to use the Fath-360 missile system.

The growing cooperation between Russia and Iran jeopardizes European security and demonstrates Iran's far-reaching destabilizing influence. Further U.S. sanctions on Iran were announced, including actions against Iran Air. Ukraine welcomed these steps, pressing for more support and authorization to use U.S. weapons on Russian targets.

(With inputs from agencies.)