Kremlin tight-lipped on rumors of possible delivery of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran
Nation22 November 2023, 05:47 PM
"I don't think it's worth commenting on. Our relations with Tehran are developing, including in the sphere of military-technical cooperation," Peskov said.
U.S. officials believe that Iran is preparing to provide Russia with short-range ballistic missiles to use against Ukraine, U.S. newspaper the Wall Street Journal reported on Nov. 21.
According to the officials who spoke with the journalists, Iran has already transferred drones, guided bombs, and artillery shells to Russia. Washington is now concerned that ballistic missiles could be next, after Iran displayed Ababil drones and Fateh-110 missiles to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his visit to Tehran in September.
The report added that the Russian embassy in Washington and the Iranian delegation at the UN have not commented on the situation.
The United States believes that Iran is becoming an increasingly important partner to Russia, and is benefiting from the relationship. Sources say that Russia is helping Iran improve its satellite capabilities and is supplying the country with missiles, air defense systems, and military electronics.
Washington previously accused Iran of supplying Mohajer-6 and other drones to Russia. According to media reports, in exchange for the arms, Russia supplies Iran with cyber warfare technology, "captured Western weapons," and assists in developing Iran's missile program.
Russia is also engaged in the production of Iranian kamikaze drones in the special economic zone in Alabuga, Tatarstan. Iran transfers materials and technologies to Russia, and continues to supply Shahed attack drones. However, Moscow officially denies this.