Iran’s Missile Shipments to Russia Prompt New US Sanctions, Blinken Says

According to The Washington Post, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. This development, revealed on September 10, 2024, could lead to new sanctions and further complicates the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Blinken indicated that the US would impose additional sanctions, including measures against Iran Air. “We’ve warned Tehran both publicly and privately that this action would represent a dangerous escalation,” Blinken said. “Russia has now received these missile shipments.”

The Secretary of State also noted that Russia is expected to use the missiles within weeks. Iranian officials have denied the allegations, asserting that no weapons have been sent to Russia.

This escalation enhances Russia’s military capabilities at a critical time in its war with Ukraine. As Ukraine continues its operations and faces difficulties in the eastern regions, the new Iranian involvement adds to the complexity. Blinken is scheduled to visit Kyiv on September 11, 2024, to meet with Ukrainian leaders, marking a rare visit by a high-ranking U.S. official to the wartime capital.

Previously, Iran had supplied Russia with attack drones but had avoided providing more advanced weaponry, likely due to warnings of severe sanctions from the US and European nations.