US and allies warn Iran not to send missiles to Russia

The United States and six other major world powers warned Iran on Friday not to supply ballistic missiles to Russia in support of Moscow’s war against Ukraine and threatened to retaliate if the country did so by, among other things, cutting off Iranian air travel to Europe Close.

The Group of Seven countries issued the warning in a statement coordinated with the White House, hoping to make Tehran think twice before further arming Russia, at a time when US security assistance to Ukraine remains blocked in Congress by Republican leaders who follow the example. from former President Donald J. Trump.

The Reuters news agency reported last month that Iran has already supplied Russia with about 400 surface-to-surface missiles, including many of the Fateh-110 family of short-range weapons that can strike targets up to 700 kilometers away. Biden administration officials said Friday they could not confirm that Iran had already transferred missiles but assume it plans to do so.

G7 leaders said they were “extremely concerned” by reports of possible Iranian transfers. “We call on Iran not to do so, as this would contribute to regional destabilization and represent a substantial material escalation in its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine – an aggression that is a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter constitutes,” they said. in their statement.

“Should Iran continue to supply ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond quickly and in a coordinated manner, including with new and significant measures against Iran,” the leaders added.

Biden administration officials said an example of a response would be ending flights to Europe by Iran Air, the country’s flag carrier, further isolating the country.