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Exclusive: Iran Delivered Missiles to Russia Without Launchers, Sources Say

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Iran has supplied close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, according to sources, but notably withheld mobile launchers, creating uncertainty about when these missiles will be operational. This development follows last week’s U.S. accusation that Tehran provided Moscow with Fath-360 missiles for use in the war against Ukraine.

Three officials—a European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official—confirmed Iran’s delivery of the missiles but emphasized that no launchers accompanied them. The reasons for this are unclear, but experts have suggested multiple possibilities. Some believe Russia may modify civilian trucks to launch the missiles, similar to what Iran has done. Others speculate Iran’s decision could be a diplomatic maneuver, leaving room for potential negotiations with Western powers to ease tensions.

Iran denies providing missiles or drones to Russia, despite accusations from Ukraine and the West that these weapons are being used to target military and civilian infrastructure. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Fath-360 missiles were delivered and would likely be used in Ukraine soon. The missile, which can travel at speeds four times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 75 miles, poses a significant threat to Ukraine, particularly as it continues to adapt its air defenses to Russian innovations.

The absence of launchers complicates matters for Russia, as ballistic missiles require specially designed launchers to be fired. Some analysts suggest that Russia could modify its military-grade vehicles to serve this purpose. Iran has previously used modified civilian trucks, but these may not be suitable for Ukraine’s harsh winter conditions.

The delivery of these missiles comes amid increasing sanctions on Iran by the United States and its European allies. New sanctions target Iran’s aviation sector, among other areas, and further measures are being considered by the European Union.

Meanwhile, Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is expected to engage in diplomatic talks with European officials during the U.N. General Assembly, where issues related to Iran’s missile deliveries, nuclear program, and regional tensions are likely to be discussed. Analysts speculate that Iran’s withholding of the missile launchers could be a tactical move ahead of these talks to avoid further condemnation.

Despite the potential for diplomacy, experts are skeptical about any significant breakthroughs, given Iran’s history of maintaining its stance on key issues.

Russian Ship Suspected of Transporting Iranian Missiles as Military Relations Deepen

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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.

Iran Transfers Ballistic Missiles to Russia Amid Intensified Conflict

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Recent reports indicate that Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing war against Ukraine, according to two sources familiar with the intelligence. This delivery, which was anticipated by US and Western officials for nearly a year, marks a significant escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s military efforts.

The exact timing of the missile delivery remains unclear, but it coincides with a surge in Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. As Ukraine prepares for large-scale Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure this winter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more air defense systems from allies.

National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett condemned the transfer, stating that it represents a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia. Savett emphasized that the US and its partners are prepared to impose significant consequences, as highlighted in recent G7 and NATO summits.

Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has denied the transfer, maintaining that Iran opposes any military assistance that exacerbates the conflict and hinders ceasefire negotiations.

Negotiations for the ballistic missiles began as early as September, when Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Iran to inspect ballistic missile systems. In response to warnings from the G7, Iran displayed ballistic missiles to Russian officials in December, indicating their intent to sell the systems.

In addition to Iranian support, Russia has also received missile components from North Korea and significant military aid from China, which includes machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, and technology for cruise missiles.