Britain’s UN ambassador claims Russia is trying to acquire ballistic missiles from Iran

The British ambassador to UNBarbara Woodward, argued that Russia is attempting to acquire more weapons from Iran, including hundreds of ballistic missiles, in return for offering Tehran an unprecedented level of military and technical support.

Since August, the Iran has equipped Russia with hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which Moscow has used to “kill civilians and illegally damage civilian infrastructure” in Ukraine, he claimed.

“Russia is now trying to acquire more weapons, including hundreds of ballistic missiles” Woodward told reporters and added: “In return, Russia is offering Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support”. She did not hide her concern that such cooperation would allow Iran to strengthen its arsenal.

He also claimed that Britain is “almost certain that Russia is seeking to procure weapons from North Korea and other heavily sanctioned states as its stockpiles are significantly reduced”.

For his part, her ambassador of Russia at the UN Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council on Friday that Moscow has already denied “on many occasions” accusations that Russia has procured military equipment from Iran. “Russia’s military industry works perfectly and does not need anyone’s help, while Ukraine’s military industry is practically non-existent and supported by the West,” he stressed.

The diplomatic missions of Iran and North Korea at the UN did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Woodward’s remarks.

Britain’s ambassador to the UN spoke to reporters before the start of yesterday’s Security Council meeting, which was requested by Russia on weapons from the conflict in Ukraine which – according to Moscow – “end up in the hands of gangs and terrorists” per Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Concern in US over ‘large-scale military cooperation’

The US has expressed its strong concern about the deepening of “large-scale military cooperation” between Tehran and Moscow.

While Tehran already supplies the Russian military with UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) used in Ukraine, Russia has “offered Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support” that “turns their relationship into a full-fledged defense cooperation”, argued John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council.

This development is “ominous” for UkraineIran’s neighboring countries and the “international community”, he added.

Citing US intelligence, Kirby said that Moscow and Tehran plan to start joint production of “killer” UAVs in Russia, without going into further details. He added that Iran is considering selling Russia “hundreds” of ballistic missiles.

On her side, Moscow is willing to provide Iran with “advanced” equipmenthelicopters, air defense systems and fighter jets, the US official said.

Citing reports that Iranian pilots have begun training on Su-35 fighter jets in Russia, John Kirby said that “Iran may receive fighter jets next year,” which would “significantly increase” the capabilities of the Iranian air force.

“We ask Iran to change course,” he said, warning Tehran about both the possible sale of ballistic missiles and the possibility of joint production of UAVs with Russia. “We will use every means at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities, and we stand ready to do more.”he added.