The United States has informed its allies that it believes Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter. Details regarding the quantity and timing of the deliveries remain undisclosed.
While the White House has not confirmed the specific transfers, it reiterated its concerns about Iran’s increasing support for Russia. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett warned that any Iranian provision of ballistic missiles to Russia would significantly escalate the conflict and increase civilian casualties in Ukraine. He emphasized that this support undermines European security and reflects Iran’s destabilizing influence extending beyond the Middle East.
This development comes amid heightened conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces are struggling against a Ukrainian offensive that has resulted in the capture of approximately 500 square miles (1,300 kilometers) in the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for the use of Western-supplied missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory to target missile launch sites.
Iran has denied the U.S. allegations, asserting that it does not provide military assistance to conflict zones. The Iranian mission to the United Nations labeled such actions as inhumane and urged all parties to cease arms transfers that prolong the conflict and human suffering.
CIA Director William Burns highlighted the growing and concerning defense collaborations between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These alliances pose a threat to both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. The U.S. has previously exposed intelligence indicating North Korea’s supply of ammunition and missiles to Russia, while Iran has provided drones and helped establish a drone manufacturing facility for the Kremlin.
Concerns about a potential Iranian-Russian missile deal have been ongoing. The White House noted past efforts by Iran to showcase its missile systems to Russian officials, raising alarms about the progress of such deals.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, where discussions will include continued robust support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression.