Iran supplies 400 ballistic missiles to Russia – Reuters

Iran has sent over about 400 surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to Russia, deepening military cooperation between the two countries under US sanctions, Reuters citing its six sources reports.

According to three Iranian sources, Tehran has provided Russia with about 400 missiles, including a large number of Zolfaghar, and short-range Faten-110 missiles.

The Zolfaghar is a short-range, single-stage, road-mobile, solid-fuel ballistic missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of 300 to 700 km.

According to another Iranian source, the deliveries began in early January after meetings between Iranian and Russian military and security officials in Tehran and Moscow late last year, during which a deal was signed.

An Iranian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that at least four missile deliveries had taken place and that more would follow in the coming weeks.

"There will be more deliveries," another Iranian official confirmed.

Iran is "allowed to export weapons to any country," as the UN Security Council's restrictions on exports of certain types of missiles, drones and other technologies expired, Reuters states.

Another senior Iranian official said that some missiles were sent to Russia by ship across the Caspian Sea, while others were transported by plane.

In early January, US National Security Advisor John Kirby said that Russia was "close to acquiring" short-range ballistic weapons from Iran in addition to the missiles that Russia received from North Korea.

Washington had seen evidence of active progress in the negotiations, but there was no indication that the transfers had taken place.

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

The states 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 target Ukrainian civilians.

Since last year, there have been unconfirmed reports that Iran could 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, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 trainer aircraft.