Iran and Russia have deepened their military cooperation with Iran providing Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, according to six sources who spoke to Reuters. The missiles, which include the Fateh-110 family of short-range ballistic weapons, such as the Zolfaghar, are capable of striking targets at a distance of between 300 and 700 km. The shipments began in early January after a deal was finalized in meetings between Iranian and Russian military and security officials in Tehran and Moscow. Iran’s defense ministry and the Revolutionary Guards declined to comment, while Russia’s defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
The provision of these missiles comes after the expiration of U.N. Security Council restrictions on Iran’s export of some missiles, drones, and other technologies in October. However, the United States and European Union have retained sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile program due to concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia.
The article highlights that the United States is concerned about Russia acquiring short-range ballistic weapons from Iran, in addition to missiles already sourced from North Korea. While evidence of talks advancing has been seen, there is no indication yet of deliveries having taken place.
The article also mentions that Ukraine has not registered any use of Iranian ballistic missiles by Russian forces. However, delays in approving a major package of U.S. military aid in Congress has left Ukraine short of ammunition and other materials. Former Ukrainian defense minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk believes that Russia wants to supplement its missile arsenal to break through Ukrainian air defense.
Iran’s hardline clerical rulers have been seeking to deepen ties with Russia and China to resist U.S. sanctions and end political isolation. Defense cooperation between Iran and Russia has intensified since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The two countries have been strengthening their military partnership, with Russia’s Defense Minister meeting the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force in Tehran in September, and talks between the presidents of both countries expected to result in a new cooperation treaty.
The delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia has raised concerns among Western nations that Russia’s reciprocal transfer of weapons to Iran could strengthen its position in any possible conflict with the United States and Israel. Iran has also finalized arrangements with Russia to provide fighter jets, attack helicopters, and pilot training aircraft.
Overall, the article highlights the deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Iran providing powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to Russia. It emphasizes the concerns of Western nations about the potential consequences of this cooperation and the impact it could have on regional conflicts involving Iran, Russia, the United States, and Israel.
