Russian Ship Suspected of Transporting Iranian Missiles as Military Relations Deepen

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows the Russian cargo ship Port Olya 3, suspected of delivering Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, docked at the Port Olya in Astrakhan on September 4. This comes after the vessel’s prior visit to Iran’s Amirabad port on August 29. The US Treasury has confirmed the ship’s involvement in transporting CRBMs (close-range ballistic missiles) from Iran to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, imposing sanctions in response.

This alleged missile shipment marks a significant escalation in Iran’s military support for Russia, which has included supplying thousands of Shahed attack drones and building a drone factory in Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the Russian military likely received Fateh-360 missiles from Iran, expected to be used in Ukraine within weeks. These missiles have a range of 120 kilometers and can carry a 150-kilogram payload, making them effective for targeting Ukrainian positions at long distances.

Despite Iran’s denial of providing ballistic missiles, US officials and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that these missiles will likely target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian officials summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires, warning of severe consequences if the reports prove true.

As the military partnership between Iran and Russia strengthens, it remains to be seen whether this escalation will push the US and European allies to loosen restrictions on Ukraine’s use of missiles against Russian targets.