The historical alliance between Russia and Iran in Middle Eastern geopolitics has been further solidified with Iran’s shipment of approximately 400 ballistic missiles to Russia.
According to reports from multiple sources speaking to Reuters, these shipments began in January and include short-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching distances ranging from 186 to 435 miles.
An Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the shipments, stating, “There will be more shipments. There is no reason to hide it. We are allowed to export weapons to any country that we wish to.”
Previously, the United Nations Security Council had imposed restrictions on Iran’s export of weaponry, but these restrictions expired in October, although the United States has maintained sanctions on Iran. A senior State Department official emphasized that these sanctions aim to pressure Iran’s missile and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) programs and limit its military relationships with countries like Russia and Venezuela.
Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, suggested that the ballistic missiles sent to Russia could be deployed for targeting high-value assets requiring precision strikes.
The collaboration between Russia and Iran has historical roots, dating back to the Cold War era when Moscow provided military and political support to Palestinian and Arab allies against Israel. American intelligence and defense officials have long suspected Russian involvement in aiding Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Recent developments indicate ongoing communication between Russia and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh revealed that Russia extended invitations to various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization), and Islamic Jihad, for discussions in Moscow scheduled for late February.
