Iran’s Missile Supplies to Russia Pose ‘Threat to All of Europe,’ Warns U.S. Secretary of State Blinken

"Iran Provides Russia with Ballistic Missiles, Poses Danger to Entire Europe," US Secretary of State Claims

During his trip to the United Kingdom, Antony Blinken reported that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from Iran, and Russian military staff have undergone training in Iran to operate them.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 5:

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According to the US Secretary of State, Iran has dispatched short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which are expected to be deployed in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

During a trip to the United Kingdom, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns, labeling the situation as "a threat to all of Europe" and highlighting Iran's "destabilizing influence" extending well beyond the Middle East.

During a press briefing, he reported that numerous Russian military members have received training in Iran on how to operate the Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile system, capable of reaching distances up to 75 miles.

Russia has recently acquired deliveries of ballistic missiles and is expected to deploy them in Ukraine against Ukrainian targets in the coming weeks.

Russia possesses a variety of ballistic missiles; however, acquiring missiles from Iran allows Russia to allocate more of its own missiles to strike targets that are farther away from the front line.

The Fath-360 missile, alternatively identified as BM-120, was first introduced to the public during a military showcase in 2020 and officially announced on Iran’s Army Day in April 2022.

Constructed in Iran, its compact and light design enables multiple units to be mounted on truck-mounted launchers.

The missile is designed with four large fins at its base, complemented by another set of four triangular fins positioned slightly above, and four smaller fins near its tip.

These missiles can travel between 19 to 75 miles, bear a warhead weighing 150kg, and achieve launch speeds of up to Mach 3, which is approximately 2,300 miles per hour or three times the speed of sound.

After launch, the missiles link up with satellites, enabling them to strike targets at speeds reaching Mach 4, equivalent to 3,069 miles per hour.

Analysts suggest that Iranians are utilizing Russia's GLONASS, a satellite navigation system that serves as an alternative to GPS.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Iran's provision of ballistic missiles to Russia as "clearly a major escalation," and mentioned that the UK is "in coordination."

When questioned about whether he would endorse Ukraine's deployment of Storm Shadow long-range missiles to hit targets within Russia, Mr. Lammy declined to discuss "operational matters."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that later today, the United States will impose additional sanctions on Iran, targeting Iran Air among other entities.

He mentioned that other nations were anticipated to unveil new sanctions as well.

Tehran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia marks a significant escalation

Security and Defense Editor

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has labeled Iran's action of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles during the ongoing two-year conflict in Ukraine as a "significant escalation."

This marks a considerable escalation in the already substantial military support Iran has provided to its ally, previously including attack drones, ammunition, and artillery shells — support that had previously led to heightened Western sanctions and widespread condemnation.

This could lead to Ukraine receiving approval to deploy American and British weapons for attacks within Russian territory.

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The chief of staff to the Ukrainian president stated that merely sanctioning Iran for providing Moscow with ballistic missiles falls short of what is necessary. He argued that Kyiv's allies should permit the use of Western weaponry for conducting deep strikes within Russian territory.

"Additionally, we require authorization to deploy Western weaponry against military sites within Russian territory, acquisition of missiles with extended ranges, and enhancements to our air defense systems," stated official Andriy Yermak on Telegram.

Further reading: Ukraine initiates drone strike in the vicinity of Moscow. Stay updated with live coverage of the US election campaign

Mr. Lammy and Mr. Blinken announced plans to jointly visit Kyiv later this week, marking the first combined trip of its kind in more than ten years, according to Mr. Lammy.

Secretary Blinken described the relationship between Russia and Iran as mutually beneficial, noting that the Kremlin provides Iran with expertise in areas such as nuclear technology and space-related information.

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"He stated that as Iran's destabilizing actions increase, Russia similarly escalates its efforts, leading to greater instability both regionally and globally."

He also mentioned that the U.S. has been distributing intelligence related to the discovery with allies and partners, collaborating to guarantee that Tehran's actions will result in substantial economic repercussions.

Nasser Kanani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, criticized the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for their decision to terminate bilateral air service agreements and for imposing sanctions on Iran Air.

Kanani stated, "The measures taken by the three European nations extend the Western antagonistic stance and economic terrorism targeting the Iranian populace, which will prompt a fitting and measured reaction from the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He stated: "As highlighted before, the allegations of Iran providing ballistic missiles to Russia are completely unfounded and untrue.

The United States along with three European nations are the main providers of arms to the Zionist government, implicated in the extensive killing of Palestinians and the genocide occurring in Gaza.

"They need to be responsible for their ill-advised policies."

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