Iran is preparing to deliver short-range missile launchers in the near future, which the United States says Tehran sent to Russia last year for use in the war against Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing Western security services, BTA reports.
The delivery of the short-range "Fath-360" ballistic missile system (Fath-360) would aid Russian attacks on its neighbor and strengthen deepening security ties between Moscow and Tehran, the agency noted.
With its 120 km range, the "Fath-360" will give Moscow's forces new opportunities to strike Ukrainian forces on the front lines, nearby military targets and populated areas near the Russian border, analysts said.
In September last year, the United States said Iran had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia on nine Russian-flagged ships, all of which were sanctioned, and specified that the delivery did not include launchers.
Western and regional security services have now said the delivery of the launchers is imminent, but have not given further details.
Russia and Iran have previously denied that Tehran has sent ballistic missiles or other weapons to assist Russian forces in the war in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian and European services have said that Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of drones and artillery shells.