Iran's enhanced military ties with Russia: A legacy of US policy failures Says NIAC

An article by Nesweek says that the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) attributes the escalating military alliance between Iran and Russia to shortcomings in US policy under both the Trump and Biden administrations. 

The article delves into the fact that Iran has purportedly dispatched hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, with further deliveries anticipated. Although Iran denies arming either side in the Ukraine conflict, its drones have been active in the region.

NIAC has condemned Iran's alleged missile support for Russia, labeling it as contrary to global peace and stability. Ryan Costello, NIAC’s policy director, stated that the increased military cooperation between Iran and Russia was a foreseeable outcome of the Trump administration's withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the Biden administration's failure to restore it.

Trump’s exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and Biden’s subsequent inability to re-enter the agreement are cited as key factors in the deteriorating relations. Costello argues that additional sanctions will not impact the already heavily sanctioned nations and advocates for a shift away from punitive measures towards diplomatic engagement.

Despite Iran’s claims of not providing weapons to Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War predicts that Iranian missiles will likely be used by Russia against Ukrainian infrastructure in the coming months. Iran is also reportedly seeking advanced military technology and support from Russia, which has prompted discussions among the US and European nations about potential new sanctions.