Iran reportedly sending missiles to Russia but withholding launchers

Iran  reportedly delivered Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia, but without the necessary mobile launchers, according to three sources, including a US official, a European diplomat, and an intelligence official.

This has led to uncertainty about when or if the weapons will be operational, as the absence of launchers hinders the missiles' immediate use in Russia's war against Ukraine.

While the US has accused Tehran of providing these missiles, Iran has denied both supplying the missiles and sending thousands of drones that have been used by Russia against Ukrainian military targets and civilian infrastructure.

The US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the launchers were not included at the time of the missile transfer.

The European intelligence source added that Iran is not expected to provide the launchers.

It remains unclear why Iran withheld them, raising speculation about possible diplomatic motivations.

Experts suggest several reasons for the absence of the launchers. One possibility is that Russia plans to modify trucks to carry the missiles, a practice Iran has employed in the past.

Another theory is that by withholding the launchers, Iran may be allowing room for diplomatic discussions with Western powers to ease rising tensions.

The missile transfer, first reported by Reuters, has already drawn sharp international reactions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on September 10 that Iran had delivered the Fath-360s to Russia, adding that they would likely be used within weeks in Ukraine.

The missile poses an additional challenge for Ukraine, as it travels at four times the speed of sound, making it a formidable threat to air defenses.

The Fath-360, with a range of up to 75 miles (121 km), is designed for short-range targets, allowing Russia to reserve more of its advanced arsenal for longer-range operations.

Blinken warned that the missiles could pose a threat to European security.

While Iran has denied supplying these missiles, the Kremlin has acknowledged cooperation with Tehran in "the most sensitive areas" without confirming specific weapons transfers.

The Fath-360s were reportedly transported on the Russian freighter Port Olya-3, which made several voyages between Iran and Russia between May and mid-September.

The absence of the launchers may also relate to Iran’s strategy of modifying civilian trucks to act as missile launchers, but experts suggest these vehicles might not be robust enough for Ukraine’s harsh winter conditions.

Russia may attempt to modify its own military vehicles for the task.

In the diplomatic arena, Iran’s decision to withhold the launchers could be a calculated move ahead of potential talks with Western powers at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, are expected to discuss the country's nuclear program, regional tensions, and other disputes.

Some analysts believe Iran may be holding back the launchers to leave room for negotiation, but others remain skeptical of any significant diplomatic breakthroughs.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the missile transfer, the US, along with Germany, Britain, and France, has imposed additional sanctions on Iran, particularly targeting its aviation sector, in response to Tehran’s military support for Russia.

"This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security," the so-called E3 powers said in a joint statement.

In response, Iran’s foreign minister said that Tehran had not delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia and sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and three European powers would not solve any problems between them.

The ongoing missile issue adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the region.