EU investigates Iran missile deliveries to Russia, threatens sanctions
The European Union is investigating reports about ballistic missile deliveries from Iran to Russia and is threatening Tehran with sanctions. European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano stated that if the reports are confirmed, the European Union will react quickly and cooperate with international partners.
Stano mentioned that allies' information about Iranian ballistic missiles being delivered to Russia is credible.
The EU reacts to reports regarding Iran
"We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU leaders' unanimous position has always been clear. The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran," he added.
On Friday, the New York newspaper "Wall Street Journal" reported that according to information obtained from American and European officials, Iran delivered short-range missiles to Russia.
The Kremlin does not deny reports of missile deliveries from Iran to Russia, AFP reported on Monday. Vladimir Putin's spokesperson did not deny, at a press conference, when asked about the deliveries of Iranian weapons. These missiles could be used for attacks on Ukraine.
Russia cooperates with Iran
"We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true," said Dmitry Peskov about the reports regarding the missiles.
However, AFP noted that he did not deny them. The spokesperson added that Iran is an important partner, and Russia maintains cooperation with it "in all sectors, including the most sensitive ones.
A few hours later, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the information that Iran had sold weapons to Russia. "We strongly reject the claims on Iran's role in exporting arms to one side of the war," declared Foreign Ministry spokesperson Naser Kanani.
Iran and Russia maintain close economic relations. Their cooperation has gained momentum as Russia has become partially isolated on the international stage since it began a full-scale aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
