G7 Condemns Iran-Russia Missile Deal, Demands Immediate Cessation
G7 foreign ministers strongly denounce Iran's export of ballistic missiles to Russia. They call for an immediate halt to weapon transfers, citing threats to Ukrainian and international security.
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have issued a forceful condemnation of Iran's export and Russia's acquisition of Iranian ballistic missiles. This statement, released on September 14, 2024, underscores the growing concern over the deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia, both of which are currently under U.S. sanctions.
The G7, a forum of the world's most industrialized nations founded in 1975, collectively represents about 50% of global net wealth and 30% of global GDP. The group's statement reflects its commitment to addressing global security issues and coordinating responses to international challenges.
"Iran must immediately cease all support to Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine and halt such transfers of ballistic missiles, UAVs (drones) and related technology, which constitute a direct threat to the Ukrainian people as well as European and international security more broadly."
The ministers emphasized the urgent need for Iran to stop supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine, which began with a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. They specifically called for an end to the transfer of ballistic missiles, drones, and related technology, citing these as direct threats to Ukrainian civilians and broader European and international security.
Iran's ballistic missile program, considered one of the largest in the Middle East, has been a source of international concern for years. The transfer of these powerful surface-to-surface missiles to Russia represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This action also potentially violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which prohibits Iran from exporting certain weapons.
The G7 ministers reaffirmed their commitment to holding Iran accountable for its support of Russia's war efforts. They indicated that new and significant measures are already being implemented in response to these actions, though specific details were not provided in the statement.
Italy, which last held the G7 presidency in 2017, currently chairs the group. The G7 also includes the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, and Canada. Notably, Russia was formerly part of this group, known then as the G8, until its expulsion in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
As the G7 prepares for its next summit in Italy in 2024, the group's response to this situation will likely be a key topic of discussion. The ongoing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, which has intensified since 2015, continues to pose significant challenges to global security and stability.
