The US and Britain accuse Iran of sending Russia missiles to use against Ukraine

LONDON (AP) — On Tuesday, the United States and Britain formally accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine, and announced new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran. This announcement came ahead of a joint visit to Kyiv by top diplomats from both countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, stated that Iran had disregarded warnings against escalating the conflict by transferring these weapons. Blinken revealed that Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 kilometers).

“Russia has now received these ballistic missiles and is expected to deploy them within weeks in Ukraine,” Blinken said. “This supply allows Russia to target locations further from the front line.”

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder indicated that additional missile shipments are likely, stating, “If Iran is providing these missiles, it’s reasonable to assume this will not be a one-time event, and Russia will continue to seek such capabilities.”

The allegations come as Russia faces a Ukrainian offensive that has recaptured significant territory in Russia’s Kursk region. These accusations could strengthen Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s push for Western allies to supply missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory.

Iran’s foreign ministry has denied the missile transfer claims, with spokesman Nasser Kanaani calling the reports “propaganda and lies” intended to distract from U.S. and Western support for Gaza.

In response, Britain, France, and Germany have announced new sanctions targeting Iran and Russia, citing the missile transfers as a direct threat to European security. Measures include canceling air service agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s flights to the U.K. and Europe. The sanctions also include travel bans and asset freezes on key Iranian and Russian individuals and businesses involved in the missile transfers.

The U.S. has imposed various sanctions on individuals and companies from Iran, China, Russia, and other nations related to Iran’s drone program. Sanctions related to the drone program, despite Iranian denials, have restricted access to U.S. assets and barred U.S. companies from engaging with these entities.

Blinken and Lammy are scheduled to visit Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss further support for Ukraine’s defense. This visit, publicly announced in advance, signals strong U.S. and U.K. backing for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues.

Blinken emphasized that the use of Western-supplied weapons would need to align with strategic objectives. He mentioned that the goal of the visit is to hear directly from Ukrainian leaders about their needs and how allies can best support them.

President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-provided missiles for self-defense but has generally restricted their use to avoid escalating the conflict. Blinken’s upcoming meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Biden are expected to address these issues further.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has been conducting significant drone attacks on Russian territory, including Moscow, as part of its ongoing defense efforts.

The news of the missile transfers emerged over the weekend. Lammy described them as part of a “troubling pattern” and a significant escalation.

CIA Director William Burns recently warned of a growing and “troubling” defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which threatens both Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.

The White House has previously declassified intelligence showing North Korea’s supply of ammunition and missiles to Russia, while Iran has provided attack drones and assistance with a drone-manufacturing facility. China has not provided weaponry but has increased sales of technology to Russia for missile and military production.