Iran dispatches hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, raising stakes in the Ukraine conflict

Reuters, referencing its proprietary sources, reported that Tehran sent approximately 400 ground-to-ground missile systems to Moscow. The shipment included short-range ballistic missiles such as Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar. An Iranian informant quoted by the American agency stated that the deliveries began early in January.

An Iranian military official, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that at least four missile shipments have been dispatched so far. Some were transported to Russia by sea, utilizing the Caspian Sea route, while others were airlifted. He indicated that more deliveries are in store for the next few weeks. "There will be more shipments," another source from Reuters asserted. "We see no reason to conceal this. We are entitled to export weapons to any country," he added.

Jeffrey Lewis, a specialist from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, shared with Reuters that these 400 Iranian missiles could inflict substantial damage in Ukraine. The Fateh-110 family of rockets is a precision weapon. "They are employed to strike objects of high importance that demand precise destruction," suggests Lewis.

The United Nations Security Council's restrictions on Iran exporting certain missile systems, drones, and other forms of technology were lifted in October. Meanwhile, both the United States and the European Union continue to enforce sanctions on Iran's missile program.

Source: Reuters