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Not all countries have turned their back on Russia. While Russia faced global sanctions after the attack on Ukraine, Iran remains a key ally of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (70). Tehran allegedly delivered hundreds of drones to Moscow to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure. However, Iran has not sent any ballistic missiles to Russia. As the ‘Financial Times’ writes, it will remain so for the time being.
The Pentagon warned last month that Russia was interested in Iran’s “ballistic missile capabilities”. Although many Western countries feared that Russia could acquire long-range missiles, these fears did not come true. The reason: Russia fears the US could supply ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in response to such an arms deal.
If that happened, Ukraine would have a decisive advantage over the Russian invaders on the battlefield. Until now, the Ukrainians have defended themselves with Himar missile systems. ATACMS missiles would have a range four times that and could hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. Since Russia is afraid of attacks on Russian areas near the border, the missiles would pose a danger to the population.
Consequences of a deal would be “serious”.
“The Europeans told them that the consequences would be very serious. The US has also drawn a red line,” Ali Vaez, project manager at the Iranian think tank Crisis Group, told the Financial Times.
But with desperation also grows the willingness to take risks. If Russia runs out of weapons, the request for long-range missiles could resurface. “The Russians desperately need it. They need missiles,” a European official said in the Financial Times report. And military analysts also estimate that Western warnings in Iran will not receive much attention. Iran is already subject to sanctions and is still willing to trade with Russia.(jwg)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
