Iran-Russia military cooperation is on the rise as Russia has referred to Iran as a “key partner” amid ongoing reports suggesting that Tehran is supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Moscow. The Kremlin refrained from directly denying the claims on Monday, while the European Union stated that it possesses “credible information” about these missile shipments to Russian forces engaged in the war against Ukraine. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Moscow and Tehran have deepened their relationship, with Iran already supplying Shahed drones to Russia.

However, a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Brigadier Fazlollah Nozari, dismissed these reports as psychological warfare. Speaking to the Iranian Labour News Agency, Nozari said, “No missile has been sent to Russia, and this claim is a form of psychological warfare,” further asserting that “Iran does not support any party in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.”

On Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported that missile shipments were underway, a claim the EU echoed on Monday, citing intelligence from allied nations. EU officials also warned of potential new sanctions on Tehran if the reports were confirmed.

“We categorically reject accusations regarding Iran’s role in supplying weapons to one side of the conflict,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated during a press conference. He pointed out that “those accusing Iran are among the largest arms suppliers to one side of the war” and reiterated that Tehran “is not involved in the Ukraine conflict.”

Despite Iran’s denials, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stopped short of refuting the missile supply claims. “We are aware of this report; such information is not always accurate,” he said, before emphasizing, “Iran is an important partner for us. We are expanding our trade, economic ties, and cooperation in all areas, including some highly sensitive ones.”

News Desk