US warns Iran of severe consequences for ballistic missiles aid to Russia.

In February 2024, the US administration issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening a "swift and severe" response from the international community if Tehran continues to supply ballistic missiles to Russia. This announcement followed a statement on February 21, 2024, that senior Iranian officials have confirmed the transfer of over 400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles to Russia since early January, including hundreds of Fateh-110 variants and several Zolfaghar road-mobile solid-fuel short-range ballistic missiles, to be used during the war in Ukraine. They also stated that additional shipments would deepen military cooperation between the two countries in the coming months.
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Iran Fateh-110 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (Picture source: Wikimedia)

As a reminder, in the context of the Ukrainian conflict, Russia is seeking to diversify its military supply sources by strengthening ties with Iran and North Korea. Despite significant advancements in its military industry, Russia struggles to meet the demand for specific equipment, such as ballistic missiles, which have been extensively used to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Faced with this situation, Moscow turned to international partners like Iran and North Korea.

The missiles provided by Iran to Russia include Zolfaghar, short-range ballistic missiles developed by Iran, operational since 2017. These missiles are characterized by high maneuverability and reliable solid propulsion, with an operational range of about 700 kilometers and the precision to hit medium-distance targets with an estimated margin of error of 100 meters.

The Zolfaghar employs a guidance system that combines inertial navigation with GPS positioning to enhance strike accuracy. This is not the first time Russia has used Iranian armaments in Ukraine, as Shahed-136 suicide drones have been deployed since the beginning of the conflict.

In addition to Zolfaghar, Iran has also supplied numerous Fateh-110, a short-range ballistic missile, to Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine. Initially designed to replace aging Scud systems, the Fateh-110 is mounted on a 6x6 truck and can hit a target 250 km away with an accuracy of 250 m. The missile has been used in Syria and is also reportedly in the possession of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

For Russia, acquiring missiles like the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar, more affordable than domestically produced cruise missiles, represents a cost-effective alternative to support its war efforts in Ukraine.