Following reports that Iran intends to send ballistic missiles to Russia, the State Department has issued a stern warning of a “swift and severe” response. This comes in light of recent information suggesting that Iran is planning to dispatch hundreds of satellite-guided missiles to Moscow shortly.
According to Reuters, European intelligence sources indicate that Iran is preparing to deliver these missiles soon and is currently training Russian personnel on the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system.
In reaction to these developments, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel asserted on Monday that the U.S. is ready to take prompt action against any such missile transfer.
Patel emphasized, “We’ve been alerting to the escalating security collaboration between Russia and Iran since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. This partnership not only jeopardizes European security but also demonstrates Iran’s destabilizing influence extending beyond the Middle East.”
He added, “Our allies and we stand prepared to respond swiftly and severely if Iran proceeds with transferring these ballistic missiles, which would represent a vital escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.”
Iran has previously aided Russia with attack drones used in assaults on Kyiv in late 2022. Additionally, Iran conducted a major drone and missile strike on Israel in April, although the majority were intercepted by a coalition of Israeli, U.S., and Jordanian forces.