The Biden administration warned Iran of a “swift and severe” response if it ships ballistic missiles to Russia to aid that country’s invasion of Ukraine. Briefing reporters on Monday, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the U.S. and its security allies in Europe were discussing a potential response should Tehran transfer the arms to Russia.
Quick Read
- Biden Administration Warning: The U.S. has warned Iran of a “swift and severe” response if it proceeds with shipping ballistic missiles to Russia to support its invasion of Ukraine.
- Diplomatic Concerns: State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel expressed deep concern over reports that Iran plans to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, highlighting the potential threat to European security.
- International Coordination: The U.S. is in discussions with European allies about potential measures to counter Iran’s escalating military partnership with Russia.
- Escalation Risks: The U.S. views the potential missile transfer as a “dramatic escalation” in Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and has warned of greater international sanctions if Iran moves forward with the transfer.
- German Diplomatic Appeal: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to prevent further military escalation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for a cease-fire in Gaza to help de-escalate regional tensions.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden administration warns Iran of ‘swift & severe’ response if it ships ballistic missiles to Russia
Newslooks- WASHINGTON — (AP)
The Biden administration warned Iran of a “swift and severe” response if it ships ballistic missiles to Russia to aid that country’s invasion of Ukraine. Briefing reporters on Monday, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the U.S. and its security allies in Europe were discussing a potential response should Tehran transfer the arms to Russia.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that Iran is planning to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia and we continue to communicate with our European partners and allies regarding Potential measures we may take,” Patel said. “We’ve been warning of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran’s destabilizing influence reaches beyond the middle east and around the world.”
The U.S. and its allies have warned for months that Iran could face greater international sanctions if it moves forward with the partnership. On Monday Patel said the U.S. views the possible transfer of missiles as a “a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.” “Together we are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with the transfer of ballistic missiles,” Patel said.
German leader speaks with Iran’s new president and appeals against escalation
BERLIN — The German government says Chancellor Olaf Scholz has appealed to Iran’s new president to do everything to prevent a further military escalation in the Middle East.
Scholz spoke by phone Monday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and “expressed his great concern about the danger of a regional conflagration in the Middle East.” The government did not say who initiated the call. It said Scholz made clear that “the spiral of violence in the Middle East must now be broken.”
Scholz also underlined his call for a cease-fire agreement for Gaza to be finalized. His office said that “would be an important contribution to regional de-escalation.”
