Exclusive: Iran Withheld Missile Launchers Sent to Russia, Sources Indicate

By Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart, and Anthony Deutsch

WASHINGTON – Iran has reportedly not supplied mobile launchers to accompany the close-range ballistic missiles that the U.S. accused Tehran of sending to Russia for use in Ukraine. This information comes from three individuals familiar with the situation, including a European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official.

The exact reason for Iran’s decision to withhold the launchers for the Fath-360 missiles remains unclear, prompting speculation about the timeline and operational status of these weapons. According to the U.S. official, Iran had not delivered the launchers when the U.S. made its announcement regarding the missile delivery. The European intelligence official indicated they did not anticipate receiving the launchers.

Sources mentioned that several factors might explain the absence of launchers. One possibility is that Russia may intend to adapt its trucks to accommodate the missiles, similar to what Iran has done. Another theory is that by not providing the launchers, Iran may be trying to create a diplomatic opening with Western nations to help ease tensions.

The Russian defense ministry has declined to comment on the matter. Requests for remarks sent to the U.S. National Security Council and the Pentagon went unanswered, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not responded as well.

Tehran has consistently denied allegations of supplying Moscow with missiles or drones, which Ukraine and Western officials claim are being utilized to target military installations and disrupt civilian infrastructure, including the electrical grid in Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on September 10 that Iran had delivered the Fath-360 missiles to Russia and predicted their deployment in Ukraine within weeks. These missiles would pose a significant challenge to Ukraine, which is continually adapting its air defense systems against Russian advancements.

According to reports, the Fath-360 missile can travel at speeds four times that of sound. Blinken expressed concerns that these missiles could threaten European security, as they are suited for short-range targets, allowing Russia to conserve its more extensive arsenal for longer-range operations. The Fath-360 has a potential range of up to 75 miles.

In response to Iran’s actions, the United States, Germany, Britain, and France have imposed new sanctions, while the European Union is considering additional measures targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The Kremlin has not confirmed the receipt of the missiles but acknowledged ongoing cooperation with Iran.

Blinken did not specify the quantity of Fath-360s supplied to Russia or the dates of the shipments. However, shipping data indicated that a Russian freighter, which is under U.S. sanctions, had made multiple trips between Iran and Russia from May to September.

Experts on Iranian missiles have expressed uncertainty about why Iran did not send launchers. For example, one expert noted that the civilian trucks modified by Iran might not withstand Ukraine’s difficult winter terrain, suggesting that Russia might have to adapt its military vehicles for this purpose.

Another analyst pointed out that if Iran withholds the launchers, it might be protecting diplomatic avenues as discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program and regional issues are set to take place during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly. Despite this, he remained doubtful about significant progress, given doubts about Iran’s willingness to make necessary compromises.