Russia calls Iran ‘important partner’ amid growing scrutiny over missile supplies

Russia has hailed Iran as a vital ally while sidestepping allegations that Tehran is supplying Moscow with short-range ballistic missiles for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The statement from the Kremlin on Monday follows reports from the European Union and the United States, which claim that Iran is now providing more advanced military support beyond its already well-documented drone shipments.

“We have seen this report; it is not every time that this kind of information is true,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, without denying the reports. “Iran is our important partner. We are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas.”

Peskov’s remarks come as the EU revealed it has “credible information” regarding the missile deliveries, reinforcing earlier claims made by the Wall Street Journal. The deepening partnership between Moscow and Tehran—both increasingly isolated by Western sanctions—raises concerns over a potential escalation in the Ukraine conflict. Iran has already provided Russia with Shahed drones, which have been deployed in strikes across Ukraine, and now appears poised to supply even more lethal weaponry.

**Missiles Mark ‘Sharp Escalation,’ Says US**

On Friday, the U.S. government warned that any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in the war. Although Iranian officials quickly dismissed the allegations, the EU has echoed Washington’s concerns.

“We are looking further into it with our member states and, if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” said EU spokesman Peter Stano. He emphasized that the European Union would respond “swiftly and in coordination with international partners,” warning of significant new sanctions against Tehran if the missile supply is confirmed.

Iran has continued to deny its involvement in arming Russia. “We strongly reject the claims of Iran’s role in exporting arms to one side of the war,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani. He accused Western nations of hypocrisy, noting that many of the countries accusing Iran are themselves major arms exporters involved in the Ukraine conflict.

**Deepening Ties Amid International Pressure**

As Western sanctions strain Russia’s resources, Moscow has increasingly turned to countries like Iran and North Korea for military support. This growing reliance has alarmed Ukraine and its allies. Last week, Ukrainian officials raised concerns about the implications of stronger military ties between Russia and Iran, warning that such cooperation could endanger not only Ukraine but also the broader European region.

The EU has been firm in its condemnation, calling for intensified pressure on both Moscow and Tehran. “The European Union will respond swiftly… with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran,” Stano reaffirmed.

While the Kremlin continues to dodge direct responses on the missile supply allegations, the geopolitical fallout from these reports suggests a dangerous new phase in the Russia-Ukraine war, with Iran’s involvement under increasing global scrutiny.