Tue Sep 10 16:50:01 UTC 2024: ## Iran Sending Missiles to Russia: US Imposes Sanctions
**LONDON** – The United States has accused Iran of sending short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, calling it a “dramatic escalation” of the conflict. This move will allow Russia to strike deeper inside Ukraine, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken and his British counterpart, David Lamy, announced new sanctions against the Iranian state airline, Iran Air, in response to the missile transfer. The US, UK, and other European powers are planning additional sanctions to punish Tehran for its actions.
Blinken claimed that Russia has already received the missiles and is likely to deploy them against Ukrainian targets within weeks. He also noted that the US had warned Iran against this action, both publicly and privately.
The US has shared intelligence about the missile shipments with allies and is working with them to impose “significant economic consequences” on Iran.
Iran has denied providing missiles to Russia and called for an end to weapons shipments from both sides. However, Blinken emphasized that this transfer of advanced weapons is a “disturbing pattern” of increasing Iranian support for Russia’s war effort.
The news of Iran’s missile shipment comes amid calls from Ukraine for greater flexibility in attacking Russian targets inside Russia. While the US has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, it has so far resisted calls for direct attacks on Russian territory.
Experts believe that Iran has calculated that providing weapons to Russia will benefit them more than it will cost them. The question now remains what Iran received in return, with speculation ranging from nuclear cooperation to financial support or assistance with its space program.
First Piper 