By Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart and Anthony Deutsch
Are you ready to uncover the shocking truth about Iran's recent missile delivery to Russia? Our exclusive sources - a European diplomat, a European intelligence official, and a U.S. official - have revealed that Iran did not include mobile launchers with the close-range ballistic missiles, raising questions about the operational readiness of these weapons.
But why did Iran choose not to supply launchers with the Fath-360 missiles? Could this decision be a strategic move to create space for new talks with Western powers on easing tensions? Two experts suggest that Russia may plan to modify trucks to carry the missiles, while Iran may be leveraging this situation for diplomatic negotiations.
Despite U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's warning about the threat posed by these missiles to European security, Iran denies providing Moscow with the Fath-360s. However, shipping data confirms that a Russian freighter made multiple voyages between Iran and Russia, carrying these controversial weapons.
Our experts, including Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, shed light on the technical challenges of firing ballistic missiles without specifically designed launchers. Could Iran's decision to withhold launchers be a calculated move to gain leverage in upcoming diplomatic talks?
As the world awaits the outcome of discussions between Iranian officials and their European counterparts at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, the implications of Iran's missile delivery to Russia remain uncertain. Will these weapons be used in Ukraine, and how will other nations respond to this escalating crisis?
Analysis:
In summary, Iran's decision to deliver missiles to Russia without mobile launchers has raised concerns about the operational readiness and potential use of these weapons. The diplomatic implications of this move, including the possibility of leveraging missile deployment for negotiations, highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
As tensions escalate in the region, the global community must closely monitor developments and prepare for potential repercussions. The impact of Iran's missile delivery to Russia extends beyond regional conflicts, with implications for international security and diplomatic relations.