Iran has delivered Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) to Russia, marking a historic first: Iranian missiles on European soil. This missile transfer, confirmed in September 2024 by U.S. officials, adds a troubling layer to the already deepening military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. While the Fath-360 does not radically change Russia’s capabilities, it bolsters Moscow’s missile stocks, helping to intensify attacks on Ukraine. More importantly, this deal is a clear signal of closer ties between the two nations, with implications that extend well beyond Europe.
A Missiles-for-Influence Deal
This missile deal reflects the growing partnership between Russia and Iran, driven by their shared opposition to Western powers. Tehran’s delivery of over 200 Fath-360 missiles to Moscow helps ease Russia’s depleted missile reserves, allowing Moscow to focus its longer-range, more advanced weapons on high-value targets like Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. As winter approaches, Russia aims to cripple Ukraine’s energy grid—a task the Fath-360 may help facilitate.
Though not exceptionally accurate, the Fath-360 can still be used to bombard cities and infrastructure, complementing Russia’s existing arsenal. Importantly, this missile transfer follows two years of U.S. warnings that Iran was planning to supply missiles to Russia. Now, that warning has materialized, signaling a deeper and potentially more dangerous military collaboration.
The Growing Russian-Iranian Alliance
The transfer is only the latest sign of an expanding Russo-Iranian military partnership. Russia, having relied on Iranian drones and military aid since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, appears eager to return the favor. Moscow is providing Iran with advanced military hardware and technological support, a trade that could drastically improve Iran’s capabilities in the Middle East.
Already, there are fears that Russia could help Tehran enhance its missile and space programs, or even its nuclear ambitions. Both nations stand to benefit from this cooperation—Russia gains critical weaponry to continue its war in Ukraine, while Iran secures a powerful ally in international diplomacy, particularly at the United Nations, where Moscow could shield Tehran from future sanctions.
A Growing Threat to the Middle East
For Iran, sending missiles to Russia is not just about military aid; it’s also about prestige. Tehran is showing that it can supply sophisticated weapons to a major power on the global stage. But this partnership comes with serious consequences for U.S. forces, Israel, and other countries in the Middle East. Iran’s experience in supplying these missiles, coupled with combat feedback from Russia, could result in more advanced missile systems threatening the region.
As Russia and Iran strengthen their ties, the West faces a growing challenge. This cooperation could result in the proliferation of more advanced weapons and technologies, further destabilizing the Middle East and escalating global tensions.
