WSJ: Russia moves ahead with plan to purchase ballistic missiles from Iran

Russia is planning to buy short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, and deliveries may take place as early as this spring, the The Wall Street Journal reports.

Citing US government sources, the outlet says they are concerned that Russian negotiations to acquire short-range ballistic missiles from Iran are moving forward.

Tehran may supply missiles to Russia this spring. Officials do not believe that the deal has been finalized.

Russia's desire to acquire the missiles was evident in mid-December, when a delegation visited an Iranian test site to see the missiles and related equipment.

The missiles were presented to the Russian delegation by the Aerospace Forces of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Shoigu's visit to Iran

The visit followed the arrival of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the headquarters of the IRGC's Aerospace Forces, which is located in Tehran. During the visit, he inspected an exhibition of Ababil missiles and other missile systems.

Shoigu met with Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and spoke about the development of Russian-Iranian relations.

Russia-Iran relations

Russia has been actively using Iranian Shahed drones to attack Ukrainian territory. Initially, the countries denied their cooperation, despite numerous evidences of it, but in November 2022, Tehran changed its position and admitted its involvement.

The countries also recently agreed to "counteract" Western sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called it an important step in increasing coordination of efforts by "members of the international community to overcome illegal sanctions."

Tehran has provided the Russian regime with thousands of kamikaze drones that kill Ukrainian civilians, as well as the technology for their production.

Since last year, there have been unconfirmed reports that Iran may transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

At the end of November, Iran announced the "finalization" of an agreement with Russia on the supply of Su-35 fighter jets, as well as Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 trainer aircraft made in Russia.