Iran preparing to provide ballistic missiles to Russia, White House states
John Kirby, White House National Security Council Coordinator (Photo: Getty Images)
The United States is concerned that Iran is preparing to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, states a representative of the U.S. National Security Council, John Kirby.
The White House on Tuesday released recently declassified intelligence data confirming that the Russian private military company Wagner is preparing to provide air defense systems "to either Hezbollah or Iran."
According to Kirby, the Wagnerites were set to provide this potential with the direction of the Russian government.
"We will closely monitor for whether Wagner provides military equipment to Hezbollah or Iran," Kirby said.
He also adds that the US is ready to use counterterrorism sanctions against Russian individuals and entities engaged in these destabilizing transfers.
Iran may transfer ballistic missiles to Russia
The news agency notes that Russia's role in the possible transfer of the air defense system to Hezbollah reflects Moscow's ongoing arms relations with Tehran and its trusted entities, which have only strengthened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Kirby states that the US is also concerned about Iran preparing to supply ballistic missiles to Russia.
Previously, Tehran showcased these missiles to the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit in September.
What rockets are being discussed
In September, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu showcased short-range ballistic missiles Ababil and Fateh-110 in Tehran.
The White House clarified that instead, Russia supplies complex military technologies to Iran, including electronics, air defense systems, and satellite data collection.
As an example, Kirby mentioned Iran's procurement of Russian Su-35 aircraft, as well as Tehran's interest in purchasing attack helicopters, radars, and training aircraft from Moscow.
Kirby also specified that Iran aims to acquire military equipment from Russia worth billions of dollars, thus bolstering its military capabilities.
The question of Iran's possible transfer of missiles to Russia
Since the full-scale invasion by Russia, Iran has pledged assistance in supplying kamikaze drones like the Shahed, and recently, reports have emerged about possible missile supplies from Tehran to Moscow.
Earlier, analysts at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggested the possibility of an agreement between Russia and Iran for missile transfers.
Additionally, the director of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, recently stated that Iran intended to transfer missiles of both short and long ranges to Russia, in addition to the Shahed kamikaze drones.
