A Pentagon spokesman on Tuesday feared Russia could try to acquire additional advanced weapons from Iran for use in the war in Ukraine.
“We are concerned that Russia may seek to acquire additional advanced ammunition capabilities from Iran, such as surface-to-surface missiles for use in Ukraine,” General Brig. Pat Ryder told reporters. .
Iran has already given Russia drones to use to strike Ukrainian targets, and Washington expects Russia to “likely seek more of them.”
Earlier on Tuesday, CNN reported that Iran was preparing to send about 1,000 additional weapons to Russia, including additional drones and its first surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile.
Such shipments will come when the US assesses that the Russians are experiencing an ammunition shortage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has increased his reliance on Iran after his gratuitous war against Ukraine turned the Kremlin into a near-world pariah.
US officials said Iran is supplying Russia with weaponized drones used in deadly attacks against Ukraine and providing ground training for Russian forces.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last week, “The evidence that Iran is supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine is clear and public, and Iran and Russia are isolated. We’re getting closer and closer,” he said.
“This could be said to show Russia and Iran’s ‘continued collusion to attack Ukrainian citizens and maintain Russia’s illegal occupation.’
