Iran denies reports it is to deliver ballistic missiles to Russia
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Reports claim that Iran will be delivering ballistic missiles to Russia and Tehran shoots them down.
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This photo provided by the Islamic Revolution Guard's ground force on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, shows missile systems in a maneuver in northwestern Iran (IRGC)
According to two European intelligence sources who spoke to Reuters, Iran is expected to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia in the near future.
The sources claimed that dozens of Russian military personnel are currently undergoing training in Iran on how to operate a short-range ballistic missile system. The sources further indicated that these satellite-guided weapons are likely to be used by Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York responded to these claims in a statement, acknowledging the long-standing strategic partnership between Iran and Russia across various sectors, including military cooperation.
However, the UN mission emphasized that Iran, on ethical grounds, refrains from transferring any weapons, including missiles, that could be used in the Ukraine conflict until it concludes.
Iran dismissed such claims before
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned in mid-July NATO's allegation during a summit in the US about Iranian military assistance to Russia as completely "unfounded" and "politically motivated".
"Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in Ukraine is the outcome of NATO's provocative policies and moves with the centrality of the United States, and it is still ongoing," he said.
The Iranian envoy made note of the fact that Iran has always sought to stabilize and contribute to the process of establishing long-term security in both the region and the world.
He emphasized that Iran has never given Russia drones during the war in Ukraine and that it believes a political resolution of the issue is necessary to bring about permanent peace.
"As we have announced time and again, any attempt to link the war in Ukraine to the bilateral cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia is an act with only biased political motivations, aimed at legitimizing the interference and continuing the Western arms supply to Ukraine," he stressed.
During their summit at the time in Washington D.C., NATO leaders claimed that the DPRK and Iran were aiding Russia’s operations in Ukraine by providing direct military support to Moscow, such as munitions and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
