Washington: The United States has voiced significant concern over reports that Iran is preparing to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted on Monday that such a transfer would represent a major escalation.
According to a Reuters report on Friday, European intelligence sources revealed that Russian military personnel are being trained in Iran on the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system. The sources anticipate the imminent delivery of hundreds of these satellite-guided missiles to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The report further states that Russian defense officials signed a contract in Tehran on December 13 for the Fath-360 and another Iranian missile system, the Ababil, developed by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). Russian personnel have reportedly been in Iran to learn how to operate the Fath-360, which has a maximum range of 120 km (75 miles) and carries a 150 kg warhead.
In addition, Iran recently showcased its long-range Mohajer-10 drones at a defense exhibition in Russia. This event, reported by Iran’s official news agency, highlights the drone’s extended flight range, duration, and payload capacity.
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US officials have previously accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia, including the Mohajer-6, which Moscow allegedly used in its invasion of Ukraine. Tehran has denied these allegations. The Mohajer-10 drone, which was recently displayed at the Army 2024 International Military-Technical Forum near Moscow, boasts an operational range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) and a flight duration of up to 24 hours. Its payload capacity is reported to be 300 kg (661 pounds), double that of the Mohajer-6.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran threatening retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
