EU receives information from allies on Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia
The EU's allies have shared information with the EU about Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.
Washington believes that Iran has transferred weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine, US media reported last week, citing anonymous sources.
"We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," Peter Stano, the EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, as quoted by AFP
"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 spokesman said.
Stano added that "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."
Iran's Foreign Ministry said it "strongly" rejected allegations of involvement in arms exports to Russia.
The West has been warning Tehran against sending missiles to Russia for several months, and the EU has repeatedly imposed sanctions on Iran for supplying Moscow with drones for the war in Ukraine.
On Monday, the Kremlin did not issue a rebuttal when asked specifically about the Wall Street Journal's report that Iran had sent missiles.
On 6 September, the WSJ reported, citing sources among American and European officials, that Iran had already supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles.
The White House National Security Council said that if Iran has supplied or will supply Russia with ballistic missiles, it would be a "dramatic escalation".
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over media reports that Iran has already supplied its ballistic missiles to Russia and has called on Tehran to refrain from providing Moscow with any weapons.