Iran has reportedly bolstered its military ties with Russia by furnishing the nation with a substantial arsenal of potent surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. This sneaky collaboration between two countries grappling with United States sanctions adds a layer of intrigue to an already complex global landscape.
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The cache of approximately 400 missiles, a clandestine offering from Iran, encompasses a variety from the formidable Fateh-110 family, including the lethal Zolfaghar, according to three reliable Iranian sources. Capable of covering distances between 300 and 700 km, as experts assert, the Zolfaghar stands as a road-mobile missile with the potential to strike targets with precision.
Tight-Lipped Ministries and Russia’s Stoic Silence Deepen Intrigue
The Iranian Ministry of Defence and the Revolutionary Guards, the formidable custodians of Iran’s ballistic missile program, remained tight-lipped when approached for comments, cultivating an air of mystery around the covert military transactions. On the other side, Russia’s defence ministry maintained a stoic silence in response to inquiries, further shrouding the unfolding narrative in an enigma.
This intricate plot unraveled its initial threads in early January, post the finalization of a deal struck in clandestine meetings between Iranian and Russian military and security officials in Tehran and Moscow, as disclosed by one of the Iranian sources. The sources, preferring anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, hinted at least four shipments of missiles, with promises of more to follow in the ensuing weeks.
Transported via both sea and air, some missiles embarked on a maritime journey across the Caspian Sea, while others took to the skies, as divulged by a senior Iranian official. The declaration of intent was clear – more shipments were on the horizon, an unabashed assertion of Iran’s sovereign right to export weapons to any country of its choosing.
Missile Cache Composition:
- Approximately 400 missiles
- Variety from the Fateh-110 family
- Includes the lethal Zolfaghar
Zolfaghar Missile Capabilities:
- Road-mobile missile
- Capable of covering distances between 300 and 700 km
- Precision targeting capability
The expiration of UN Security Council restrictions on Iran’s missile exports in October ostensibly paved the way for such transactions. However, the United States and the European Union, vigilant of potential repercussions, continued to hold sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile program, underscoring their reservations regarding arms exports to Middle Eastern proxies and Russia.
Against this backdrop, a corroborating source affirmed that Russia had indeed received a substantial quantity of missiles from Iran recently, further cementing the authenticity of the covert collaboration. Yet, amidst these revelations, the Pentagon maintained an inscrutable silence, leaving the world to speculate on the implications of this burgeoning alliance.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s top prosecutor’s disclosure about North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles proving unreliable in battle injected a fresh layer of uncertainty into the narrative.
Ukrainian Air Force Highlights Gravity of Missile Threat
A Ukrainian military source revealed to reporters that Kyiv had not detected any deployment of Iranian missiles by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian defence ministry, approached by reporters for clarification, remained silent, leaving a shroud of uncertainty lingering.
In response to the unfolding narrative, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, speaking to national television, asserted the absence of official information regarding Russia’s acquisition of such missiles. However, he underlined the potential gravity of the situation, acknowledging that ballistic missiles could pose a significant threat to Ukraine’s security.
Adding a layer of complexity to the geopolitical drama, former Ukrainian defence minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk, now heading the Centre for Defence Strategies in Kyiv, a prominent security think tank, highlighted the critical shortage of ground-based air defence in Ukraine due to the lack of US support. This strategic imbalance, he asserted, fueled Russia’s desire to amass rockets to overpower Ukrainian air defences and gain a tactical advantage.
Ukraine, grappling with the relentless long-range assaults on its cities, infrastructure, and air defenses, repeatedly implored Tehran to cease providing Shahed drones to Moscow. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the deployment of 3,700 Shahed drones by Russia, each capable of flying extensive distances and causing destruction upon impact.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani dismissed accusations of Iran contributing to the conflict for political purposes, stating that no drones were provided for participation in the war.
Shoigu-Hajizadeh Meeting Signals Closer Iran-Russia Relations
Iran’s hardline clerical leaders have strategically pursued stronger alliances with Russia and China, seeing it as a means to resist US sanctions and alleviate political isolation. The collaboration in defense matters between Iran and Russia has notably intensified since Russia’s significant military involvement in Ukraine in February 2022.
In a pivotal meeting in Tehran, Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu engaged with Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force. Iranian state media reported the display of Iran’s drones, missiles, and air defense systems during this meeting. Expectations of a comprehensive cooperation treaty between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi have been voiced, following talks in Moscow in December.
A military official emphasized that the Iran-Russia military partnership showcased Iran’s defense capabilities globally, clarifying that it didn’t imply taking sides in the Ukraine conflict. However, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Iran’s clerical rulers face high stakes and internal dissent over economic challenges and social restrictions.
While Tehran attempts to avoid confrontation with Israel to prevent drawing in the United States, its Axis of Resistance allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have targeted Israeli and US interests. A Western diplomat confirmed the recent delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, raising concerns among Western nations about the potential strengthening of Russia’s position in conflicts with the United States and Israel.
In November, Iran announced finalizing arrangements with Russia for the acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 pilot training aircraft. Analyst Gregory Brew from Eurasia Group characterized the Iran-Russia relationship as transactional, with Iran expecting enhanced security cooperation and advanced weaponry, particularly modern aircraft, in exchange for its drone technology.
