Iran supplying missiles to Russia? Tehran rejects claims amid rising tensions

Recent allegations from Ukraine’s Western allies claim that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. However, Tehran has firmly denied these accusations, labeling them as "completely baseless and false" and accusing the West of hypocrisy.

On Tuesday, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany imposed additional sanctions on Iran, citing what they described as Tehran’s "escalatory" actions. Despite these sanctions, no concrete evidence has been presented, and the alleged missiles have yet to be observed on the battlefield.

In a strong response, Tehran called the latest sanctions on its firms and individuals "economic terrorism." Meanwhile, the Kremlin has refrained from denying the reports, instead emphasizing Iran’s role as an "important partner."

The Alleged Missile Supplies

Western officials have accused Iran of providing Russia with around 200 ballistic missiles of the Fath-360 model, potentially to be deployed in Ukraine within weeks. The Fath-360, also known as BM-120, is a satellite-guided, single-stage, surface-to-surface missile that uses solid propellant and can be launched from six-round canisters mounted on trucks.

With a range of up to 120km (75 miles) and the ability to carry a 150kg (330lb) explosive payload, the missile can reach speeds of Mach 4, approximately 4,900 kilometers per hour (3,050 mph). It boasts an accuracy of within 30 meters (98 feet).

While the Fath-360 alone is unlikely to be a game-changer in the conflict, it could aid Russia in managing its offensive operations in Ukraine. This missile has been compared to the US-made HIMARS systems that Ukraine has effectively used against Russian forces. The US has suggested that these Iranian missiles might be used for hitting targets near the front lines, allowing Russia to conserve its precision-guided munitions for deeper strikes inside Ukraine.

Iran’s Previous Involvement

Since the war began in 2022, Iran has also faced accusations of supplying explosives-laden drones to Russia and assisting in training Russian forces and establishing a drone production line. Ukraine has presented parts of destroyed drones as evidence. Iran has admitted to selling drones to Russia but claims this occurred "months" before the war started. Tehran has repeatedly denied sending ballistic missiles since Western officials first made the allegations in late 2022.

As tensions rise, Iran’s foreign ministry has vowed to respond to the new sanctions, underscoring the ongoing complexities in the geopolitical landscape.