Washington warns Iran of "serious consequences" if it delivers missiles to Russia
The USA has warned Tehran of "serious consequences" if Iran supports Russia's attack on Ukraine by supplying it with missiles. U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel commented on Monday on reports that Iran is planning to deliver "hundreds of ballistic missiles" to Russia. Washington is prepared for a "swift and tough response" in this case, Patel said.
"The delivery of hundreds of missiles to Russia would, in our view, constitute a dramatic escalation of Iran's support for Russia's attack on Ukraine," the spokesman added.
Russia and Iran have strengthened their cooperation since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Tehran is accused of supplying drones to Russia, among other things. Russia has also sought weapons supplies from North Korea, which is also subject to international sanctions.
Patel said on Monday that Iran continues to deny supplying drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war - "although there is clear evidence for the world that Russia has used these drones for merciless attacks on Ukraine's civilian population and infrastructure," the spokesman explained.
"If the reports of Iran's planned rocket deliveries to Russia are true, it could significantly escalate the situation and warrant a firm response from the international community."
"Despite Iran's denials, the use of potentially Iranian-supplied rockets in Russia's attacks on Ukraine raises serious concerns about the scope of Tehran's support for Moscow's aggression."
