Iran unveiled its first hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah (Conqueror), at an event attended by President Ebrahim Raisi and other government officials in Tehran, Iran, on June 6, 2023. .
Sepa News | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Iran has sent hundreds of powerful ballistic missiles to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government, boosting military cooperation between the two adversaries. Reuters reported this weeksaid multiple anonymous Iranian military officials.
As the two-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring country approaches, the reported transfer of powerful weapons is likely to strengthen President Putin’s influence over Ukraine. This follows already documented arms cooperation between Tehran and Moscow since 2022, in particular the transfer of Iranian-made Shahed drones that the Russian military deployed to deadly effect in Ukraine. .
Reuters reported that Iran handed over at least 400 Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in January, and that number could rise further. Iran declined to comment to Reuters, while Russia did not immediately respond.
“The question has always been not if Iran will transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, but when,” Benam Ben Taleburu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told CNBC.
“Iran’s material support, including drones, has kept Putin fighting in Ukraine much longer than expected. Ballistic missiles will keep him fighting for a long time to come.”
2022, US Central Command Iran is estimated to have more than 3,000 ballistic missiles. Analysts say Iran has developed advances and upgrades to its Fateh-class missiles in recent years, improving their accuracy, range, lethality, maneuverability and survivability. The Fateh-110 missile has an effective range of 300 kilometers (about 190 miles), is known for its high accuracy, and has been used by Iran to attack Iraq, Syria and Pakistan.
Iran unveiled its first hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah (Conqueror), at an event attended by President Ebrahim Raisi and other government officials in Tehran, Iran, on June 6, 2023. .
Sepa News | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
“Iranian officials have indicated that further missile development is underway. Iran manufactures missiles domestically with little foreign supply and can produce them in large quantities for long periods of time.” analysts at political risk consulting firm Eurasia Group wrote in an article. Research notes.
“Iran’s missiles provide Russia with additional capabilities as it gains ground against Kiev amid delays in additional U.S. support,” the spokesperson said.
Russian interests
Russia achieved a substantial victory in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. It represents a painful loss for Ukraine, with hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers missing and fears that they could be captured by Russian forces.
Russia’s gains come at a time when continued U.S. aid to Ukraine is far less certain. In mid-February, the U.S. Senate passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, with about $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine, but several Republicans in the House of Representatives opposed the passage. ing.
A Ukrainian tank destroyed by artillery fire on December 31, 2023 in Avdiivka, Ukraine.
Pierre Crome | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Kiev and its allies are also looking ahead with concern to the 2024 U.S. elections, as a possible presidential inauguration of Donald Trump could result in a complete cut in aid to Ukraine.
This caused alarm and condemnation among the leaders of several NATO countries, but without US support, Europe would be severely ill-equipped to supply Ukraine with what it needs to withstand a Russian attack. It is insufficient. TThe United States supplied approximately $44.9 billion Security assistance to Ukraine amounted to $12 billion, with only the United Kingdom coming in a close second.
What will Iran get in return?
Relations between Tehran and Moscow are beneficial to the government. Arms trade with Russia is a valuable source of income for the Islamic republic, which is already under heavy sanctions from the United States and the European Union.
FDD’s Ben Taleburu said, “There are reports of cash and gold transfers, transfers of Western conventional weapons, fighter jet deals, and even support for Iran’s space program from Russia.For the risk-tolerant Islamic Republic, Russia Our partnership continues to bear fruit.”
Analysts say several rounds of Western sanctions against Iran, which have helped cripple Iran’s economy, are not enough to prevent Russia from continuing to sell deadly weapons to it for use in Ukraine. ing. It is also in a position to acquire new military equipment itself.
“The missile deal suggests that a deal has been reached in which Russia will send advanced weapons systems to Iran.Russia delivered a squadron of modern trainer aircraft to the Iranian Air Force in September 2023, but this The first phase of the agreement also includes 35 “jet interceptors,” Eurasia Group wrote.
Russia’s air defense fighter SU-35 will provide Iran with its “first modern fighter jet in decades, significantly expanding Iran’s capabilities amid rising tensions with Israel and the United States,” the report said. The book said.
In terms of Washington’s response, it may be limited, but that is largely due to the Biden administration’s reluctance to further escalate tensions in the Middle East. It can sanction Iran’s weapons program, but it cannot actually stop missile shipments to Russia along the supply route. A UN arms embargo barring Iranian missile sales is set to expire in 2023.
Arms supplies to Russia are increasing while Ukraine’s allies appear to be stagnant, in what many observers describe as a shift in the tide of the war in Russia’s favor. It shows.
Foreign Minister Ben Tabul said, “While the United States discusses coexistence with Ukraine, Iran continues to make accommodations with Russia,” adding, “This is the most remote example in the reported history of Iranian ballistic missile proliferation.” “It’s happening,” he said.