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

"European Security at Risk": US Secretary of State Declares Iran Provides Ballistic Missiles to Russia

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

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 5:

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The U.S. Secretary of State has reported that Iran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which are expected to be deployed in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

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

He informed a news gathering: "Numerous Russian military members have received training in Iran on how to operate the Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile system, which can travel up to 75 miles.

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

Russia possesses a variety of ballistic missiles; however, the acquisition of missiles from Iran allows Russia to allocate more of its missile inventory for strikes on targets that are located at a greater distance from the front lines.

Unveiling the Fath-360 Missile:

The Fath-360 missile, alternatively referred to as the BM-120, made headlines during Iran's Army Day celebrations in April 2022, following its initial introduction at a 2020 military showcase.

Constructed in Iran, this compact and light device can be mounted on truck-based launchers in multiples.

The missile features four main fins at its base, accompanied by four additional triangular fins positioned slightly above, and four smaller fins near its tip.

Their operational range spans from 19 to 75 miles, and they have the capability to transport a warhead weighing up to 150kg. These can be propelled at speeds reaching Mach 3, which is equivalent to 2,300 miles per hour, or three times the speed of sound.

Once launched, the missiles link up with satellites, enabling them to strike targets at speeds reaching Mach 4, or 3,069 miles per hour.

Sources indicate that Iranian forces are employing Russia's GLONASS system for satellite navigation, serving as a substitute to the American GPS technology.

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

When questioned about whether he would endorse Ukraine's deployment of Storm Shadow long-range missiles for attacks on Russian soil, Mr. Lammy declined to discuss "operational matters."

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

He mentioned that additional nations were anticipated to reveal new sanctions as well.

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

Security and Defence Editor

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

This marks a notable escalation in Iran's already substantial support for its ally, previously including attack drones, ammunition, and artillery shells—a contribution that had provoked heightened sanctions and condemnation from Western nations.

This could potentially lead to Ukraine receiving approval to deploy US and UK weaponry for attacks on Russian territory.

Access Deborah Haynes' insights by clicking here.

The chief of staff to the Ukrainian president expressed that merely imposing sanctions on Iran for providing Moscow with ballistic missiles falls short of what is needed. He argued that Ukraine's allies should authorize Kyiv to conduct extensive strikes within Russian territory using Western-supplied weaponry.

"Additionally, we require authorization to deploy Western armaments for strikes on military sites within Russian territory, the provision of missiles with extended range, and enhancements to our air defense systems," stated Andriy Yermak on Telegram.

For further details: Ukraine initiates drone strike on Moscow area. Stay updated with live coverage of the US election campaign.

Mr. Lammy and Mr. Blinken announced their plans to jointly visit Kyiv later this week, a trip Mr. Lammy noted as the "first of its kind in more than ten years."

Secretary Blinken highlighted the reciprocal nature of the relationship between Russia and Iran, noting that the Kremlin has been providing Iran with technological support, encompassing nuclear and space-related information.

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"He mentioned that as Iran's destabilizing actions continue to expand, Russia similarly propagates further insecurity both within their respective regions and globally."

He mentioned that the US has been distributing intelligence about the discovery to allies and partners, collaborating to guarantee that Tehran's actions will face severe economic repercussions.

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

Kanani stated: "The measures taken by these three European nations extend the Western antagonism and financial sabotage targeting the people of Iran, and they will prompt a fitting and measured reaction from the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He emphasized, "The allegations that Iran has provided ballistic missiles to Russia are completely unfounded and untrue."

The United States along with three European nations are the main providers of arms to Israel, implicated in the extensive killings of Palestinians and the acts of genocide in Gaza.

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

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