On March 15, 2024, the G7 countries warned Iran against providing ballistic missiles to Russia. “We are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran,” they said in a joint statement. The G7 includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Tehran had already provided Moscow with hundreds of attack drones that were used against Ukraine. Since mid-2022, Iran has become Russia’s top military backer, according to John Kirby of the National Security Council. The following is the full text of the G7 statement.
G7 Statement
We reiterate our call on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine or face severe costs.
We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia after having supplied the Russian regime with UAVs, which are used in relentless attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine.
We call on Iran not to do so, as it would add to regional destabilization and represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine – an aggression which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran.