Russian military personnel are reportedly being trained in Iran on the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, with hundreds of these satellite-guided weapons expected to be delivered to Russia soon for use in Ukraine. This information comes from two European intelligence sources who spoke to Reuters, revealing a growing military collaboration between the two nations amid ongoing conflict.

On December 13, Russian defense officials are believed to have signed contracts in Tehran for the Fath-360 system and another missile system, the Ababil, both produced by Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). The Fath-360, capable of launching missiles with a range of 120 km and a 150 kg warhead, could provide Russia with enhanced capabilities in its war against Ukraine.

The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) warned that such a transfer would represent a "dramatic escalation" in Iran's support for Russia's aggression and vowed a "swift and severe" response from the U.S. and its allies if the weapons were shipped.

Iran's U.N. mission in New York, however, stated that while Iran maintains a strategic military partnership with Russia, it refrains from transferring weapons that could be used in the Ukraine conflict.

The potential arms transfer comes as Iran's military support to Russia has primarily included Shahed drones, which are easier to intercept than ballistic missiles. The addition of the Fath-360 could further strain Ukraine's already overstretched missile defense systems.

The U.N. Security Council's restrictions on Iran's export of missiles expired in October 2023, although U.S. and EU sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program remain in place. As tensions escalate, the situation continues to be closely monitored by international and regional powers.