Tue Sep 10 23:32:25 UTC 2024: ## US and Europe Impose New Sanctions on Iran After Revelation of Missile Supply to Russia
**LONDON** – The United States and European Union have imposed new sanctions on Iran following confirmation that Tehran has supplied Russia with deadly ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the news on Tuesday, calling the development a “dramatic escalation” and a “threat to European security.”
The missiles, identified as the relatively new Fath-360 (BM-120) type, have a range of 19 to 75 miles and can carry a 150kg warhead. Blinken stated that Russia has already received shipments of these missiles and is likely to deploy them in Ukraine within weeks.
The revelation comes as Ukraine presses for permission to use British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia. While the US has provided Ukraine with weapons to defend itself, the Biden administration has been hesitant to allow strikes within Russian territory due to concerns about escalating the conflict.
The sanctions against Iran, which include banning Iranair from European airspace, come as the US and its allies seek to deter further Iranian support for Russia’s war effort. Blinken emphasized that the move aimed to counter Iran’s “destabilising influence” and underscored the dangers of its growing cooperation with Russia.
The news has also sparked renewed debate within the Western alliance regarding the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a peace conference, signaling potential wavering support for Ukraine in some European quarters. However, Blinken’s announcement may shift the conversation, particularly in light of Iran’s growing involvement in the conflict.
Iran has denied supplying Russia with weapons, including ballistic missiles and Shahed drones. However, US intelligence officials, including CIA Director William Burns, have stated that the use of these weapons in Ukraine would be easily identifiable.
The situation remains fluid, with the US and UK planning a trip to Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s needs and potential future support. The issue is expected to be discussed further during a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Biden on Friday.
First Piper 