The administration of US President Joe Biden is concerned that Iran may be preparing to provide ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.
Source. This was stated by US National Security Advisor John Kirby at a press briefing on Tuesday, November 21, Voice of America reports.
According to Kirby, Russia is becoming increasingly isolated in the world, and its military cooperation with Iran is deepening. Such cooperation is harmful and dangerous for Ukraine, as well as for Iran's neighbors and the international community as a whole.
The Pentagon has confirmed these assessments. In response to a question from Voice of America, Deputy Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasized:
"We see Russia continuing its efforts to gain the support of countries like the DPRK and Iran."
She noted that Iran is already supplying drones to Russia, which "strike Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure."
Kirby noted that Iran is already supplying Russia with a large number of drones, guided bombs and artillery ammunition, which Russia uses in its war against Ukraine.
At the same time, Iran may now be preparing to "go a step further" in supporting Russia by providing it with its Ababil and Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles.
These missiles were demonstrated to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his September visit to Iran.
"So we are concerned that Iran is considering providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine," Kirby said at the briefing.
For its part, Russia has been cooperating with Iran on sophisticated military technologies such as missiles, electronics and air defense, as well as satellite data collection capabilities, the White House official said.
Iran also wants to buy additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and military training aircraft, Kirby added.
Background. Earlier it was reported that Ukraine has started mass production of Shahed-type kamikaze drones.