The United States is concerned that Iran may be preparing to provide ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine. This was stated at a briefing on November 21 by John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council, UNN reports citing Voice of America.
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Russia is becoming increasingly isolated in the world, and its military cooperation with Iran is deepening. Such cooperation is harmful and dangerous for Ukraine, as well as for Iran's neighbors and the international community as a whole, Kirby explained.
The Pentagon confirmed these assessments. Deputy Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized: "We see Russia continuing its efforts to enlist the support of countries like the DPRK and Iran." She noted that Iran is already supplying drones to Russia, which "strike at Ukrainian cities, civilian infrastructure."
Kirby noted: Iran is already supplying Russia with large quantities of drones, guided bombs and artillery ammunition that Russia is using in its war in Ukraine.
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At the same time, Iran may now be preparing to "go a step further" in its support of Russia by providing it with its Ababil and Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles.
These missiles were demonstrated to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his September visit to Iran.
So we are concerned that Iran is considering providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, Kirby said.
In return, Russia is cooperating with Iran on sophisticated military technologies such as missiles, electronics and air defense, as well as satellite data collection capabilities, the White House official said.
Among the examples of Russia's transfer of sophisticated technology to Iran, Kirby pointed to the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets that Iran announced earlier this year. Iran also wants to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and military training aircraft.
"In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia to bolster its military capabilities," Kirby added.
The Russian Wagner Aircraft Company was also apparently preparing to provide air defense capabilities to either Iran or the Lebanese Hezbollah organization, the official said.
In addition, according to information available to the United States, the Russian Wagner Aircraft Company, at the direction of the Russian government, was preparing to provide air defense capabilities to either the Lebanese organization Hezbollah or Iran directly. However, the United States has no information whether such a transfer of technology has taken place and will continue to monitor the situation.
Kirby also recalled the sanctions that the United States and its partners have imposed on Iran and Russia in the context of their cooperation and war in Ukraine.
In particular, in October, the United States, along with other countries, pledged to oppose any attempts by Iran to transfer or sell ballistic missile technology. The United States also provided guidance to private companies on Iran's procurement practices for its missile program in order to prevent unintentional technology transfer.
According to Kirby, the United States will continue to "expose and disrupt" Russia's military partnership with Iran.