New Iranian Ballistic Missiles Delivered to Russia: Escalation in Ukraine Conflict
In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Tuesday that Russia has received new deadly ballistic missiles from Iran. This marks an important shift in the battlefield dynamics as Ukraine braces for a challenging winter. Blinken made the announcement while in London, preparing for a trip to Kyiv with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
For the first time, this intelligence has been confirmed by the US, highlighting the growing partnership between Tehran and Moscow and prompting the US and European nations to impose new sanctions on Iran. This move appears to close the door on any hopes of improving relations between the new reformist Iranian government and the West.
The acquisition of missles by Russia leads to increased pressure on the United States regarding its policies on the use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine. While the Ukrainian military has been pressing for the ability to target deeper within Russia, Blinken cited significant obstacles, including concerns regarding Ukraine's capability to effectively use the missiles and manage the resultant strategic implications.
A key point of contention remains whether authorizing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles beyond its borders could be perceived as a dangerous escalation, thereby crossing red lines established by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Blinken asserting that the US is committed to providing Ukraine with necessary arms, the Ukrainian government, represented by Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, emphasized that mere sanctions on Iran would not suffice. Instead, Kyiv requires the liberty to strike deeper into Russian territory.
President Joe Biden has previously allowed Ukraine to utilize US-provided missiles for self-defense across the Russian border, albeit with restrictions on the range to prevent exacerbating the conflict. A crucial dialogue surrounding the Western strategy towards Ukraine is anticipated between UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and President Biden, focusing on critical issues such as Ukraine's survival through the winter and whether the Ukrainian leadership under Volodymyr Zelenskiy has a viable plan to counter Russia effectively.
In the backdrop, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing domestic pressure, has called for a peace conference to include Russian representatives, reflecting an inclination towards a multilateral path for peace. However, the recent developments involving Iran's military support to Russia could significantly influence the discourse in Europe.
Germany, along with France and the UK, condemned Iran's missile supply to Russia, categorizing it as a direct threat to European security. In response, they announced sanctions, including a ban on Iran Air and its civilian airline operations within Europe.
The ballistic missiles supplied to Russia fall under the Fath-360 BM-120 category, characterized as relatively new and precise short-range weapons. Ukraine has reported that over 200 such missiles have been dispatched to a Russian port in the Caspian Sea. Blinken highlighted that these missiles would allow Russia to target Ukrainian positions further from the front lines.
Reflecting on the increased military cooperation between Iran and Russia, Blinken warned that it poses a substantial threat to security in Europe and underscores Iran's destabilizing ambitions extending beyond the confines of the Middle East. He noted that Iranian integration into Russia's military strategies also includes collaborative efforts in nuclear technology. Reports indicate that dozens of Russian military personnel have undergone training in Iran for the operation of the Fath-360 missile, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 3 and carrying significant payloads over a range of approximately 19 to 75 miles.
Addressing unfounded speculations surrounding Iran's intentions, Blinken expressed skepticism about Tehran's claims of seeking a new engagement with the West, asserting that their recent actions signify a serious escalation. He added that Iran's military assistance to Russia would only reinforce their distance from international negotiations and worsen the humanitarian crisis initiated by the conflict.
Despite Iran's denials to the United Nations regarding military support for Russia, the international community remains vigilant. CIA Director William Burns outlined the implications of any ballistic missile usage in Ukraine, indicating that such actions would be distinct and traceable.
In the face of increasing Russian military aggression, UK officials, including former Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, have reiterated the need for clear warnings to Putin. Shapps emphasized the importance of being prepared to authorize wider missile usage to counter Russian strikes targeting civilians. As the situation continues to evolve, both alliances and their military strategies will be put to the test against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Ukraine.
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