Iranian Commander Refutes Claims of Missile Transfers to Russia

In a recent development, a high-ranking official from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards has refuted claims regarding Iran's alleged transfer of missiles to Russia. This denial comes in response to reports from prominent Western media outlets and growing concerns about the potential use of such weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Brigadier Fazlollah Nozari, deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, stated, > "No missile was sent to Russia and this claim is a kind of psychological warfare." [[Iranian Commander's Statement]]

Nozari emphasized Iran's neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that Iran does not support either side.

The denial follows reports by CNN and the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, which claimed that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. These reports have heightened concerns in the West about the potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The United States has expressed alarm over the possibility of such transfers, stating that it would mark a significant escalation in the Ukraine war. This concern is particularly notable given that Iran's ballistic missile program is considered one of the largest in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has voiced apprehension about the deepening military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. Ukrainian officials have called for increased international pressure on both Iran and Russia, viewing this alliance as a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Europe and the Middle East.

The Kremlin, responding to these reports, reaffirmed its partnership with Iran, stating that the two countries are developing dialogue across various areas. This statement underscores the strengthening ties between Moscow and Tehran, which have grown closer since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

It's worth noting that Iran has already supplied its Shahed drones to Russia's military, demonstrating an existing level of military cooperation between the two nations. These unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as loitering munitions, have been used in the conflict, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

The situation highlights the complex web of international relations surrounding the Ukraine conflict. As the war approaches its third year, the potential involvement of additional military hardware from Iran could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region and beyond.

As international observers and organizations, including the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, continue to monitor developments closely, the denial from the Iranian commander adds another layer to the ongoing diplomatic and military narrative surrounding the conflict.