Bloomberg: Russia sharing nuclear secrets with Iran, causing concern for US, UK

The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed growing concerns that Russia is sharing sensitive information and technology with Iran, potentially advancing Tehran's ability to build nuclear weapons.

In return, Iran is reportedly supplying Moscow with ballistic missiles for its war efforts in Ukraine, according to Western officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing Bloomberg.

In recent months, cooperation between Russia and Iran on nuclear ambitions has intensified, according to officials familiar with the matter, who spoke under the condition of anonymity. The issue was a key topic of discussion this week in Washington, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Joe Biden to address foreign policy concerns. Officials described this development as a serious escalation in military ties between the two nations.

The Biden administration remains deeply concerned about Iran's nuclear activities, with the White House National Security Council confirming that the US is prepared to use all available means to prevent any nuclear escalation by Iran.

Neither Russia’s Foreign Ministry nor Iran’s embassy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers condemned the “export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia,” demanding an immediate halt to Iran’s military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

During a recent visit to London, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Russia had received Iran’s Fath-360 ballistic missiles and hinted at technology exchanges between the two nations. Blinken also noted that Iran’s nuclear program had never been more advanced.

Despite Iran’s insistence that its nuclear ambitions are for civilian purposes, concerns are growing about its potential to develop nuclear weapons in response to escalating tensions, particularly with Israel. The IAEA reported a significant rise in Iran’s nuclear fuel levels between June and August, potentially enough to produce a handful of warheads should Iran decide to pursue them.

The deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran is raising alarms within the international community, with Western officials closely monitoring the situation as tensions rise in both Ukraine and the Middle East.