(Washington) The White House expressed concern Tuesday that Iran could provide Russia with ballistic missiles for use in its war against Ukraine – a development that would likely be disastrous for the Ukrainian people, said said a US national security official.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted Tuesday that Iran has already provided Russia with unmanned aircraft or drones, remote-controlled aerial bombs and artillery munitions, and that Tehran is preparing perhaps “to go further in its support” for Moscow.
In a conference call with reporters, Mr. Kirby highlighted a September meeting in which Iran hosted Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to demonstrate a range of ballistic missile systems , causing concern in Washington.
“We are therefore concerned that Iran is planning to supply ballistic missiles to Russia now for use in Ukraine,” he said. In exchange for this support, Russia offers Tehran unprecedented defense cooperation, particularly in missiles, electronics and air defense.
“In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars in military equipment from Russia to strengthen its military capabilities,” Kirby said. Russia has also helped Iran develop and maintain its satellite collection capabilities and other space programs. »
He said the emerging military partnership between Tehran and Moscow is harmful to Ukraine, Iran’s neighbors in the Middle East and “frankly the international community.”
Under the direction of the Russian government, the Wagner mercenary group is preparing, according to Mr. Kirby, to provide an air defense capability to Hezbollah or Iran. He said the United States would monitor whether that happened and was prepared to use “its counterterrorism sanctions authorities against Russian individuals or entities that may make these destabilizing transfers.”
The United States says the Kremlin’s reliance on Iran and North Korea — countries largely isolated internationally because of their nuclear programs and human rights records – testifies to the dismay of Moscow.
According to Washington, this desperation stands in contrast to Ukrainian resistance and the success of the international coalition, which has disrupted Russian military supply chains and prevented the replacement of weapons lost on the battlefield.