Iran Arms Russia With 400 Ballistic Missiles, Escalates Military Alliance To Counter US Sanctions

Iran has reportedly equipped Russia with a substantial arsenal of around 400 surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.

The move comes less than four months after UN restrictions on Iran's missile program expired in October.

What Happened: According to Reuters, citing six informed sources, the shipment includes the Fateh-110 family missiles, with the Zolfaghar variant capable of striking distances between 300 and 700 km (186 to 435 miles).

The defense ministries of Iran and Russia have remained tight-lipped about these developments. No official comments made amidst requests for clarification asked by Reuters.

These strategic shipments began rolling out in early January. They came about following secretive meetings held in Tehran and Moscow last year, marking a deepened level of military and security collaboration aimed to counteract U.S. sanctions and isolation.

Iranian military officials said these shipments were executed via sea and air routes, including transport across the Caspian Sea. The sources disclosed that at least four missile shipments have been sent, with promises of more to come.

Why It Matters: These missiles are described as precision weapons, capable of causing substantial damage to high-value targets.

The U.N. Security Council’s previous restrictions on Iran’s missile exports ended in October.

The U.S. and EU, however, continue to enforce sanctions due to worries about Iran’s weapons reaching Russia.

According to ArmsControl.org, the UN restrictions likely slowed Iran's exports of missiles and drones. However, the EU and the U.S. cited evidence that Iran violated the resolution when it was in place by transferring goods (i.e., drones) to Russia.

The White House has expressed concerns about Russia acquiring such weapons from Iran. According to Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, this action could significantly impact conflict zones in Ukraine.

In an interview on Tuesday, President Joe Biden has announced forthcoming sanctions against Russia, targeting its actions in Ukraine and the death of Alexei Navalny.

Read Now: Russia Adds Lindsey Graham To ‘Terrorists’ List For Holding President Responsible For Navalny’s Death

Image: Shutterstock