An unnamed senior Iranian military source revealed this week that Iran has delivered at least 400 short-range Fateh-110 ballistic missiles to Russia in January of this year. This transfer of powerful weapons is set to bolster President Vladimir Putin's position in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as the two-year mark of Russia's invasion of its neighbor approaches. The Fateh-110 missile, with an effective range of about 300 kilometers, is known for its accuracy and has been previously utilized in strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan.

Russia's military cooperation with Iran has been on the rise since 2022, with the deployment of Iranian-made drones that have proven to be effective in the Ukrainian battlefield. With Tehran reported to have over 3,000 ballistic missiles in its arsenal, the delivery of Fateh-110 missiles to Russia is expected to further enhance Putin's capabilities in Ukraine. The U.S. Central Command has estimated the advancements in Iran's Fateh class of missiles, including improvements in precision, range, lethality, maneuverability, and survivability.

This escalation in military support comes at a critical time as Putin's forces have achieved a significant victory in the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Meanwhile, U.S. military aid for Ukraine faces uncertainty, with Congressional Republicans opposing a $95 billion aid package, of which around $60 billion is designated for Ukraine. The potential for a Donald Trump presidency in 2024 raises concerns about further cuts to aid for Ukraine and challenges to NATO's mutual defense principles.

Despite Western sanctions, Iran's willingness to provide advanced weaponry to Russia underscores its strategic partnership, which includes significant revenue from weapons trade with Moscow. The reported deal for Russia to supply Iran with modern combat aircraft signals a deepening relationship that may expand Iran's military capabilities amid tensions with Israel and the U.S.

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates and Russia gains military support from Iran, the shifting tide of the war raises questions about the international response. While the Biden administration is reluctant to escalate tensions in the Middle East, the proliferation of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia poses a new challenge for global security dynamics. The continued military cooperation between Iran and Russia signals a growing alliance that could have far-reaching implications in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.