Iran Denies Ballistic Missile Transfer to Russia Amid Sanctions

Iran's foreign minister denies allegations of delivering ballistic missiles to Russia. The U.S. and European powers imposed new sanctions on Iran, criticizing its actions and cooperation with Moscow. Tehran argues that sanctions will not resolve the issues. The Kremlin and the Netherlands react differently.

Iran's foreign minister stated on Wednesday that Tehran had not delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia and reiterated that sanctions imposed by the United States and three European powers would not resolve any disputes.

Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized, "Once again, US and E3 act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic. Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period... Sanctions are not a solution, but part of problem," Araqchi shared in a post on X. The E3 includes Britain, Germany, and France.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted on Tuesday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and could use them in Ukraine within weeks, describing this cooperation as a threat to wider European security. Consequently, the United States, Germany, Britain, and France imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting its national airline, Iran Air.

The Kremlin denied reports of missile shipments from Iran, labeling the claims of various arms transfers as baseless. Meanwhile, the Netherlands summoned the Iranian ambassador, with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp calling for "new, robust EU sanctions" on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)