In 2024, Iran has already sent several batches of its surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to Russia, Reuters reported, citing six unnamed sources.
While Germany and the United States are hesitant to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS and Taurus missiles, Russian allies (Iran and North Korea) have no restrictions on supplying Russia with long-range weapons.
According to three unnamed Iranian sources, Iran has provided Russia with about 400 missiles, most likely the Fateh-110 short-range Iranian ballistic missiles. Some of the missiles that Iran delivered to Russia have a range of 300 to 700 kilometers.
Iran began to send missiles to Russia in early January 2024 as part of the agreements concluded at the end of 2023 during meetings at the level of military and intelligence services in Tehran and Moscow. Reuters reported that some deliveries were made by air, some by ship through the Caspian Sea, and others by plane.
“There will be even more deliveries. There is no reason to hide it. We are allowed to export weapons to any country we want,” an unnamed Iranian official told Reuters.
As UN Security Council Resolution 2231’s missile restrictions have expired, Iran gains the ability to export missiles and missile-related technology without international oversight, potentially fulfilling Russian needs.
One of the Iranian sources told Reuters that Iran needs military cooperation with Russia to “demonstrate Iran’s defense capabilities to the world.” The Iranian sources added that Iranian-Russian military collaboration does not mean that Iran “is taking Russia’s side in the Ukrainian conflict.”
Two American and Ukrainian sources told Reuters that they have not yet seen the use of Iranian missiles by the Russian military in Ukraine.
Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu visited Tehran in September, exploring opportunities to strengthen defense and military cooperation with Iran. During the visit, Iranian officials showcased various military equipment, including the Paveh cruise missile, 358 surface-to-air missiles, Ababil, and Fateh missiles.
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