US Accuses Russia of Receiving Missiles from Iran and Imposes Additional Sanctions, Reports Reuters

By Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis

LONDON/WASHINGTON – The United States reported on Tuesday that Russia has obtained ballistic missiles from Iran for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting the U.S. to implement new sanctions targeting ships and companies involved in providing Iranian weapons to Moscow.

In a press conference in London prior to his trip to Kyiv with Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. had privately cautioned Iran that supplying ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a “dramatic escalation.” He added, “Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely deploy them within weeks in Ukraine.”

The U.S. subsequently identified nine Russian-flagged vessels believed to be linked to the transport of weapons from Iran to Russia, designating them as “blocked property” under U.S. sanctions. Additionally, further sanctions were imposed on Iran Air and various entities involved in the military collaboration between the two nations.

Blinken also noted that Iran has trained numerous Russian military personnel to operate its Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. Reports indicated that Russian defense officials had entered into a contract with Iranian counterparts for the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system in December.

Although Iran has supplied Shahed drones utilized by Russia in Ukraine, it denies providing ballistic missiles. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani dismissed the allegations as “ugly propaganda” aimed at diverting attention from Western military assistance to Israel.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, did not confirm the allegations but acknowledged ongoing cooperation with Iran in “the most sensitive” sectors.

As the conflict continues into its third year, Ukrainian forces are increasingly challenged as they face a persistent Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. Last month, Kyiv executed its first major cross-border operation into Russian territory.

Blinken highlighted the advantages the Iranian missiles offer to Russia, allowing them to engage closer targets and preserve their own arsenal for more distant strikes. He also indicated that Russia, which had previously accepted U.N. restrictions on Iran, is sharing technology that interests Tehran, bridging cooperation in nuclear and space matters.

The U.S. Treasury and State Department imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and nine entities in Iran and Russia, freezing any U.S. assets held by those targeted and generally prohibiting American dealings with them. Among those sanctioned were vessels frequently transporting cargo across the Caspian Sea between the two nations, including one ship identified as having transported ballistic missiles.

In response to the escalating situation, France, Germany, and Britain announced the cancellation of air service agreements with Iran and stated their intention to sanction Iran Air and those involved in supplying arms to Russia.

The U.K. introduced additional sanctions under its regulations concerning Iran and Russia, while the European Union pledged a “strong response.”

Analysts, such as David Albright, head of the Institute for Science and International Security, remain skeptical that the new sanctions will disrupt Iran’s collaboration with Russia, given Tehran’s view of strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing as beneficial for its economic and political interests.

Ukraine welcomed the U.S. sanctions but indicated that they were insufficient. Ukrainian officials expressed a desire for U.S. authorization to strike deeper into Russian territory with U.S.-supplied weapons.

Blinken emphasized his upcoming visit to Ukraine as an opportunity to directly discuss the current needs and goals of Ukraine’s leadership and assess how the U.S. can provide further assistance. Together with Lammy, he aims to demonstrate unified Western support for Kyiv. Blinken is also scheduled to visit Poland.