We have new developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are drawing international concern, as sources reveal Iran is preparing to deliver missile launchers to Russia — a move that could significantly strengthen Moscow’s battlefield capabilities.
According to Western security officials and a regional source, Iran is set to send Russia Fath-360 launchers, which would allow Russian forces to deploy short-range ballistic missiles with a range of roughly 75 miles, or 120 kilometers. Analysts say these weapons could be used to target Ukrainian frontline troops, military sites, and even civilian areas near the Russian border.
While the U.S. reported last year that Iran had sent these missiles to Russia, the accompanying launchers were notably absent. Now, officials believe that delivery is imminent, though details remain limited. Both the Russian defense ministry and Iran’s representatives at the United Nations have so far declined to comment, while U.S. agencies have remained tight-lipped.
Russia and Iran have consistently denied transferring arms to support Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. But U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials say Iran has already provided Russia with thousands of drones and artillery shells.
U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli recently testified to Congress that Iran has supplied Russia with over 400 short-range ballistic missiles — a figure that raises serious concerns for Ukraine’s defense.
Analysts warn that deploying the Fath-360 launchers could allow Russia to strike targets quickly, without the lengthy preparations required for larger missile systems. This, they say, could force Ukraine to stretch its missile defenses even thinner, as Russia reserves its more advanced weapons, like the Iskander missiles, for longer-range, high-impact attacks on critical infrastructure.
Ralph Savelsberg, a defense expert from the Netherlands, points out that the Fath-360 missiles are not highly precise and carry smaller warheads — but they are fast, easy to operate, and could overwhelm Ukrainian defenses simply by adding volume to Russia’s attacks.
There’s also a diplomatic wrinkle. The potential missile launcher delivery comes just as President Trump’s administration is working to broker both a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire and a separate nuclear deal with Iran. Some officials believe that ongoing, indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran — mediated by Oman — may have contributed to the delayed shipment.
Still, many analysts argue Iran views its arms deals with Russia as entirely separate from nuclear negotiations.
As President Trump pushes forward on both fronts, this latest arms transfer could further complicate already fragile diplomatic efforts. We will continue to monitor this developing story and bring you updates as they unfold.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
