Iran's reactions to US and European condemnation and sanctions following revelations of its ballistic missile sales to Russia have been restrained, primarily consisting of official statements from officials.
On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that Tehran has not sent any missiles to Russia. Araghchi wrote in a post on X: "Once again, US and E3 act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic - Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period - Sanction addicts should ask themselves: how is Iran able to make & supposedly sell sophisticated arms? Sanctions are NOT a solution, but part of problem."
These controlled responses suggest a careful approach by Tehran, seeking to manage the diplomatic fallout without escalating tensions further.
Meanwhile, IRGC-linked Fars News Agency also denied the news quoting "an informed military source" as saying that Iran has not sent ballistic missiles to Russia. Fars wrote that the news was part of psychological warfare against Tehran.
On Thursday, Tehran-based analyst Ali Bigdeli appeared to align with the official narrative, telling a local website that the accusations regarding missile sales are part of a conspiracy aimed at pressuring the Islamic Republic. He suggested this pressure is timed to coincide with President Masoud Pezeshkian's planned meetings with European leaders during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York later this month.
All media outlets in Iran strictly adhere to government directives on sensitive national security issues. As a result, those reporting on the missile transfers stuck to basic coverage, echoing official statements. Many repeated lines such as labeling Western accusations as “a new wave of psychological warfare,” avoiding any independent analysis or criticism.
However, there were a couple of exceptions. In a commentary entitled "New sanctions for the sake of Russia," conservative Nameh News website wrote: "Iran is paying a high cost for Russia's war against Ukraine. Iran has not been gaining anything from Russia's war against Ukraine."
Nameh News went on to say that the recent missile sales to Russia have triggered new sanctions, including those on Iran Air, which had previously been lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal. The website also emphasized that these sanctions have a direct impact on the Iranian people, underscoring the broader consequences of the missile sales for the nation.
The website stated that if Iran has not sent missiles to Russia, it should pursue international legal action against the US and EU. It also quoted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who warned that sending ballistic missiles to Russia would dangerously escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Iranian missiles, Blinken noted, could significantly enhance Russian forces' capabilities and flexibility, further intensifying the war. These comments reflected concerns over Iran’s involvement and the potential consequences of its missile sales.
The website suggested that Russia should clarify the situation, as Iranian officials have repeatedly claimed neutrality in the Ukraine war. Despite this, Tehran has faced sanctions twice due to its alleged support for Russia. The article also criticized Russia for its silence on the issue and for backing the United Arab Emirates' claim over three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, highlighting tensions in Iran's relationship with Russia despite their cooperation.
The Kremlin's Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov finally denied the news Wednesday afternoon and saying reports about Iranian missile supplies were not accurate. Peskov, however, called Iran one of Moscow's important trade partners.
The ultraconservative Kayhan newspaper, funded by Khamenei's office and known for its support of Russia and close ties with Moscow, has remained silent on the missile issue, leaving many in Tehran disappointed as they awaited its reaction. Currently, Kayhan finds itself more isolated than ever, as other outlets criticize its controversial stances on both domestic and international issues.
