Sat Sep 21 10:09:00 UTC 2024: ## Iran Did Not Include Launchers With Missiles Sent to Russia: Sources

**WASHINGTON** – While the U.S. has accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles for use in the Ukraine conflict, multiple sources indicate that Iran did not include the necessary mobile launchers with the weapons.

According to a European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official, the reason behind this omission remains unclear. This raises questions about the missiles’ operational capabilities and the timeframe for their deployment.

The U.S. official confirmed that Iran had not delivered the launchers at the time of the U.S. announcement, while the European intelligence official indicated that they did not expect Iran to provide them.

Experts have proposed various explanations for the lack of launchers. One possibility is that Russia plans to modify existing trucks to carry the missiles, a method Iran has employed in the past. Another theory suggests that Iran’s decision to withhold the launchers might be a strategic move, allowing for potential talks with Western powers regarding easing tensions.

While the Russian defense ministry declined to comment, the U.S. National Security Council and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Similarly, Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not provide a response.

Iran continues to deny supplying Russia with the missiles or the thousands of drones reportedly used against Ukrainian military targets and civilian infrastructure, including the power grid.

The Fath-360 missile, with a range of up to 75 miles, would pose a significant challenge to Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to adapt its air defenses to Russian innovations. The missile travels at four times the speed of sound when approaching targets, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.

Following the initial allegations, the U.S., Germany, Britain, and France imposed new sanctions on Iran, while the EU is considering additional measures targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The Kremlin declined to confirm receiving the missiles but acknowledged its cooperation with Iran in “the most sensitive areas.”

While the exact number and delivery date of the Fath-360 missiles remain unknown, shipping data revealed that a Russian freighter, the Port Olya-3, sanctioned by Washington, made multiple voyages between Iran’s Caspian Sea port of Amirabad and the Russian port of Olya between May and Sept. 12.

Experts believe that the lack of robust launchers might be due to the inadequacy of civilian trucks modified by Iran for missile launches in rough terrain during Ukraine’s harsh winter. Alternatively, Russia could modify its own military vehicles for this purpose.

Experts have also speculated that Iran’s withholding of the launchers might be a strategic maneuver to facilitate potential diplomacy with European officials at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.

However, some remain skeptical about any potential progress, fearing that the use of Iranian missiles in Ukraine could hinder diplomatic efforts.

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