ISW: US, European officials confirm Iranian missiles delivered to Russia More shipments expected

An anonymous US official has confirmed to the country's media that Iran has recently delivered missiles to Russia, with further shipments anticipated. This development follows a contract signed in December 2023 between Iran and Russia, involving the supply of Iranian Ababil close-range ballistic missiles and Fateh-360 short-range ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation.

While the specific types of missiles included in the latest delivery remain unspecified, the transaction underscores the deepening strategic alliance between Tehran and Moscow, Caliber.Az reports citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The report highlights that Iran has expanded its defenCe production facilities outside Tehran since mid-2023 to support the production of drones and missiles destined for Russia. This expansion aligns with Russia's increased use of Iranian-developed Shahed-131/136 drones and North Korean ballistic missiles in its ongoing attacks against Ukraine.

The transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles is expected to enhance Russia's ability to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure, further destabilizing Ukrainian society and disrupting the nation's defenCe industrial base during the upcoming fall and winter months.

The growing military collaboration between Iran and Russia reflects a broader strategic partnership, which has intensified since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Iran has sought economic and military benefits from this alliance, including cash for its struggling economy in exchange for weapons.

Additionally, Iran has pursued the acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighter jets and has actively sought Russian support in upgrading its cyber capabilities and missile and space programs.

In response to these developments, the United States and certain European countries are reportedly preparing a sanctions package aimed at Iran. This move highlights the international community's concern over the expanding military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.