ISW: Iran may agree with Russia on missile transfer

Iran may agree with Russia to transfer missiles after the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which prohibits it from such agreements.

On September 19, Russian Defence Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu travelled to Tehran to discuss strengthening bilateral defence and military cooperation with Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajji Zadeh guided Shoigu on a tour of Iran’s drone, missile, and air defence arsenal at the IRGC Aerospace Force (IRGCASF) Headquarters in Tehran on September 20.

Shoigu also discussed the expiration of UNSCR 2231’s missile restrictions with Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani on September 20. According to this resolution, Iran is not allowed to supply other countries with ballistic missiles.

The expiration of UNSCR 2231’s missile restrictions in October will empower Iran to export missiles and missile-related technology without international oversight, providing Iran with an opportunity to fill Russian needs.

Ashtiani has previously said Iran is ready to develop defence and strategic relations with "all independent countries" after the restrictions end.

Ukrainian and Israeli intelligence reports indicate that Russia seeks to acquire Iran’s Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles, both of which have ranges of 300 kilometres or more.

For the record, UNSCR 2231 is the UN Security Council resolution endorsing the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, which suspended nuclear-related UN sanctions and established sunset dates for missile and other arms-related sanctions on Iran.