US Views Potential Transfer of Missiles from Iran to Russia as Alarming, Reports Reuters

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Michelle Nichols

WASHINGTON – The United States expressed serious concern on Friday over reports that Iran plans to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, a move that would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development comes amidst indications of deepening ties between the two nations in recent weeks.

In August, reports suggested that Russia anticipated receiving hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran, with Russian military personnel undergoing training in Iran for the satellite-guided systems, intended for potential deployment in Ukraine.

Recent information indicates that short-range missiles have already been delivered to Russia, according to a U.S. official cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Sean Savett, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, noted, "We have been warning about the strengthening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and are deeply concerned by these reports." He added that any Iranian missile transfer to Russia would signify a drastic increase in Iran’s support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

Another U.S. official mentioned that the situation concerning potential missile transfers between Iran and Russia is being monitored closely. These developments follow warnings from the U.S. and European allies that such actions by Iran could result in repercussions, with increasing scrutiny on the evolving relationship between the two countries.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated on Friday that its stance on the Ukraine conflict remains unchanged. The Iranian representatives characterized the provision of military support to conflict parties as inhumane, arguing that it exacerbates human casualties, infrastructure destruction, and impedes ceasefire efforts. They emphasized that Iran neither engages in such actions nor supports other nations supplying weapons to those involved in the conflict.