Reuters: Iran set to deliver short-range missile launchers to Russia

Iran is preparing to send launchers for short-range ballistic missiles to Russia in the near future, according to multiple Western security officials and a regional source.

According to the exclusive report by Reuters, quoting sources, these launchers are believed to be part of Iran’s ongoing support to Russia amid its continued military campaign in Ukraine.

The Fath-360 launchers, with a range of 75 miles (120 km), would significantly bolster Russia's assault on Ukrainian forces, allowing Moscow to target frontline troops, military infrastructure, and civilian areas near the Russian border, experts suggest. If the delivery proceeds, it will further solidify the growing military partnership between Moscow and Tehran.

This new move comes after the U.S. had previously reported that Iran delivered short-range missiles to Russia on nine Russian-flagged ships in September 2024, although these launchers were not part of that shipment. Western security sources have indicated that the delivery of the Fath-360 launchers is imminent, though they declined to elaborate on why they were not included with the initial missile shipment.

The Iranian government, along with Russian officials, have consistently denied providing arms to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. However, U.S., Ukrainian, and European authorities have claimed that Iran has supplied Russia with drones and artillery shells. In a recent statement, U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli confirmed that Iran had delivered over 400 short-range missiles to Russia.

The arrival of the Fath-360 launchers could have implications for ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran. President Donald Trump’s push for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as well as separate nuclear negotiations with Iran, may be complicated by these developments.

One regional source cited the indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, as a key reason behind the delayed delivery of the launchers. Despite setbacks in the talks, Iran agreed to hold a fourth round of negotiations in Oman, which will take place this Sunday.

Experts suggest that Iranian arms shipments to Russia are unlikely to be influenced by the nuclear discussions. "The Iranians view their arms collaboration with Russia as separate from their nuclear negotiations with the U.S.," said Jack Watling, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute.

Analysts believe that the Fath-360 launchers could enable Russia to increase pressure on Ukraine. "With these launchers, Russia could strike high-value targets more quickly and with less preparation," explained Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "Their flight time is incredibly short, making them a powerful tool for rapid deployment."

By deploying the Fath-360, Russia could conserve its more advanced missiles, such as the Iskander, for longer-range strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including power grids. This would further strain Ukraine’s missile defence systems, experts noted.

Ralph Savelsberg, an associate professor at the Netherlands Defence Academy, highlighted that the Fath-360s, while not highly accurate or capable of carrying large payloads, could still create significant challenges for Ukraine. "They may not be the most advanced, but they add to Ukraine’s operational difficulties," Savelsberg said.

By Tamilla Hasanova