Iran Summons European Envoys Over Missile Accusations

Iran's government summoned envoys from Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to condemn accusations of supplying missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. The joint European statement described the alleged missile transfer as a threat to European security. Iran's foreign ministry promises an appropriate response.

Iran's government took a defiant stance on Thursday, summoning the envoys of Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands over accusations that Tehran provided short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.

The state-run IRNA news agency reported that the foreign ministry separately summoned the envoys to issue a strong condemnation of the accusations.

The ministry also rebuked Britain, France, and Germany for their joint statement, which criticized the alleged missile transfer as an "escalation" and a "direct threat to European security." In retaliation, these countries announced sanctions, including revoking air service agreements that would limit Iran Air's access to UK and European destinations.

IRNA stated that the foreign ministry viewed these positions as indicative of the West's ongoing hostility towards the Iranian people, warning that such actions would be met with an appropriate response from Iran.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken added this week that Iran had disregarded warnings about the considerable escalation such weapon transfers would cause. He revealed that Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to operate the Fath-360 missile system, with a range of up to 75 miles (120 km).

(With inputs from agencies.)