Iran Accused of Supplying Missiles to Russia Amid Putin’s Largest Wargames in Decades
The United States and the United Kingdom have raised concerns over Iran’s alleged supply of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both countries have announced plans to impose sanctions on those involved in the missile transfers.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a joint statement with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, stated that Russia has already received shipments of these missiles and is likely to deploy them in Ukraine in the coming weeks. The supply of Iranian missiles to Russia expands the scope of Russia’s military capabilities, allowing for strikes on targets further away from the front lines.
The accusations have added fuel to the fire in the conflict in Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to press for further support from Western allies during a planned visit with Blinken and Lammy. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s ongoing military drills in various regions, including the Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.
President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US-provided missiles in self-defense against Russia, albeit with restrictions on the distance they can be fired. However, Ukraine has taken matters into its own hands, launching a significant drone attack on Russian soil, targeting multiple regions including Moscow.
The transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia has been labeled as a “significant escalation” by Lammy, who expressed concern over the growing defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Iran, on the other hand, has denied the allegations of supplying weapons to Russia, emphasizing the humanitarian consequences of such actions.
CIA Director William Burns, during a recent visit to London, highlighted the concerning defense dynamics involving Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, posing a threat to Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East. The international community has been urging Iran to refrain from transferring ballistic missiles to Russia.
As the situation continues to escalate, Mr. Biden is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss support for Ukraine’s defense at the White House. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point for global security and diplomacy efforts.
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