Russian military personnel are undergoing training in Iran to operate the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, with expectations of delivering hundreds of these weapons for use in the war in Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry signed a contract in Tehran for the Fath-360 and Ababil missile systems. Training in Iran is crucial for the operation of these systems, enhancing Russia’s military capabilities.
The United States and its allies stand ready to respond to any transfer of weapons from Iran to Russia for use in Ukraine, calling it a dramatic escalation in support for aggression. However, both Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership in various areas, including military cooperation.
The delivery of Fath-360 missiles is imminent, posing a new challenge for Ukrainian missile defense systems. The deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia has raised concerns, but no transfer of missiles has been confirmed yet. The UN Security Council restrictions on Iran’s missile exports have expired, but concerns remain over the use of weapons in conflicts.