Russia’s Asian alliances have security consequences, NATO chief warns

PARIS: North Korea and Iran’s military support to Russia has serious global security consequences that the 32-member NATO alliance cannot ignore, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.

Pyongyang has transferred ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia, while Iran has also provided Moscow with the supply of Shahed drones, frequently used to attack Ukrainian infrastructure.

In return, Russia has provided technology and supplies that help their own missile and nuclear capabilities.

Western powers are increasingly concerned Tehran could soon also transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

“Russia’s friends in Asia are vital for continuing this war of aggression,” Stoltenberg said as ministers met in Brussels.

China was also “propping up Russia’s war economy,” he said.

“This has regional and global security consequences,” Stoltenberg said, adding that the ministers would discuss how to handle the issue.

In February, Reuters reported that Iran has provided Russia with a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, citing six sources, in a sign of deepening military ties between the two US-sanctioned countries.

While Washington and other Western officials have repeatedly warned Iran against providing such weaponry to Russia, they have not confirmed that Moscow has taken delivery of the missiles.

Both the G7 and the European Council have said that such a step would lead to major consequences in its relations with Tehran and said third parties who provide weapons could also face further measures.

European diplomats have said potential measures on Iran could include targeting Iran Air, banks in Europe and even the possibility of reimposing UN Security Council sanctions as part of a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.