The G7 issued a strong joint statement warning that the international community’s response will include “new and significant measures against Iran” if the country moves ahead with sending ballistic missiles to Russia to use in its war effort against Ukraine.
“We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia after having supplied the Russian regime with UAVs, which are used in relentless attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine,” the G7 statement says. “Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran.”
The US and its allies are “speaking with one voice on this matter” making it clear that for Iran the “costs will outweigh the benefits,” said a senior Biden administration official.
One option that has been discussed as a means of response is ending flights from the state-owned airline Iran Air into Europe, the official said.
“Point being, this is not business as usual,” the official said.
The official did not provide an answer when asked if Iranian leadership flies on the airline, or if it is just Iranian citizens who fly on Iran Air.
The growing concern about Iran moving ahead with this additional military support for Russia comes as Russia has gained momentum on the battlefield and Ukraine has been forced to ration ammunition.
A $60 billion US aid package to Ukraine has been stalled in the House amid Republican resistance to additional funding.
Earlier this week, CIA Director Bill Burns said that without additional assistance from the…
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