Ukraine warns Iran over possible missile supply to Russia

Ukraine summoned a senior Iranian diplomat on Monday, issuing a stern warning about “devastating and irreparable consequences” for bilateral ties if reports of Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles proved true.

Earlier that day, an Iranian official dismissed these reports as “psychological warfare.” The European Union, however, found the information “credible.”

Last week, CNN and the Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, reported that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia amidst its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, more than two and a half years after the 2022 invasion.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry, through Telegram, summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires, Shahriar Amouzegar, cautioning him about severe repercussions if the missile delivery was confirmed.

Brigadier Fazlollah Nozari of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, quoted by the Iranian Labour News Agency, denied sending any missiles to Russia, calling the claim psychological warfare. He stated that Iran does not support either side in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Western and Ukrainian officials have previously dismissed such denials, citing substantial evidence of Iran supplying items like Shahed drones to Russia. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano noted credible information from allies about Iranian missile deliveries to Russia.

He warned that if confirmed, this would mark a significant escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. EU leaders have vowed coordinated and swift responses, including new restrictive measures against Iran.

A European official, requesting anonymity, said the U.S. had shared information on the reported missile transfer with allies and might soon make it public. White House spokesperson John Kirby, in Washington, mentioned that such a scenario would severely impact both Ukraine and the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the report but cautioned that not all such reports are accurate. He emphasized Iran’s importance as a partner, highlighting the development of trade, economic relations, and cooperation in sensitive areas.

Last week, Ukraine labelled the growing military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow as a threat to Ukraine, Europe, and the Middle East, urging the international community to increase pressure on both nations.

On Friday, the United States stated that any Iranian ballistic missile transfer to Russia would signify a sharp escalation in the Ukraine conflict. This sentiment was echoed by a NATO spokesperson on Monday, who noted awareness of the media reports but refrained from confirming their accuracy. The spokesperson reiterated that any ballistic missile transfer from Iran to Russia would represent a substantial escalation.

Moscow has accused Kyiv’s allies of escalating the conflict by supplying weapons used in Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, threatening to respond.