TEHRAN – The G7 group of countries threatened Iran on Friday saying the country would have to face “new and significant measures” if it decides to give Russia ballistic missiles to be used in the war in Ukraine. 

After that, a senior U.S. official said a ban on Iran Air flights to Europe might be one of those measures. 

Despite Washington acknowledging that it doesn't believe Iran has transferred any missiles to Russia, the recent caution issued against Iran reveals more about the predicament Europe is stuck in than Tehran’s alleged role in the Ukraine War. It underscores the fact that Europe has sleepwalked into a security trap laid by the U.S. and that it would not be able to break free from it without reevaluating its relationship with Washington.

What ballistic missiles does Iran have?

Iran boasts a vast and varied inventory of homegrown ballistic and cruise missiles, among which the 'Fattah' missile series stands out as one of its most advanced weaponry. 

The initial variant, Fattah-I, unveiled in June 2023, features a range of 1,400 kilometers. It is characterized by a spherical engine powered by solid fuel, with a flexible nozzle enabling omnidirectional movement for the missile.

In contrast, a later version called Fattah-II is outfitted with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead, allowing the ballistic missile to alter its trajectory significantly post-launch and achieve speeds ranging from Mach 5 to 20, depending on its design and intended function. 

Alongside the 'Fattah' series, Iran possesses a diverse array of short-range, medium-range, and long-range missiles in its arsenal. Among them are the Shahab, Fateh, Qiam, Dezful, and Qhaem group of arms. 

Analysts believe Iran’s sophisticated and home-produced missiles have been acting as its most important means of deterring its enemies and defending itself. 

Is Russia in desperate need of Iranian weapons?

Since the beginning of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, Western media outlets have been trying to portray its military as outdated and disorganized and its weaponry as descript and paltry. 

From the West’s prism, Russia is supposed to have exhausted most of its resources a long time ago. In October of 2022, Western media claimed that Russia had run out of ballistic missiles which was allegedly why it was not attacking Ukrainian bases anymore. 

In 2024, however, long-range missile strikes against Ukrainian targets continue to be a prominent and persistent strategy of Moscow in its “special military operation”.  Russia’s ammunition is nowhere near tapped out with intelligence reports suggesting that it would be able to sustain its war effort for several more years thanks to its increased rate of weapons production.  

So, while Iranian missiles are highly efficient and can be beneficial for any party that decides to use them, Russia’s offensive in Ukraine will not be hampered if Moscow doesn’t get its hands on these weapons.  Russia continues to be the biggest producer and exporter of arms, while the West finds it difficult to keep up with its supply of weapons to Ukraine. 

Europe must address the elephant in the room

The U.S. likes to tell Europe that it would not be able to defend itself if it decides to decouple from Washington. That’s why Europe agreed to be brought to the brink of recession to help America score a goal against Russia. Europe still allows itself to get fooled by Washington as it regurgitates American propaganda which predicts Moscow will attack Europe after it is done with Ukraine. 

The recent fanfare about Russia’s imminent attack on Europe comes as, after more than 2 years, everyone can agree that what’s happening in Ukraine is not a war of aggrandizement. We all now know that the Ukraine war could have been easily prevented if NATO had not shunned its commitments that said it should not expand to the East.  

Europe, instead of kicking the can down the road and laying the blame for Russia’s military success at the feet of Iran, should try to acknowledge that it has been played by Washington, and look for a way to liberate itself from U.S. dominance.