Iran has vehemently denied reports of an imminent missile deal with Russia despite mounting evidence of increased military cooperation between the two tyrannical governments.

“Legally, Iran has no restrictions or prohibitions on buying or selling conventional weapons. But morally, Iran will avoid transferring any weapons, including missiles, that may be used in the conflict with Ukraine until it ends,” Iran’s UN representative Saeed Iravani stated to the assembly this weekend.

According to Reuters, a deal for Iranian missiles may have been inked as recently as December. Two European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Russian defense ministry representatives signed a contract in Tehran with Iranian officials for both the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system called the Ababil.

The missiles in question, known as the Fath-360, are close-range ballistic weapons that experts compare to the US HIMARS rockets, albeit with less range and accuracy. These truck-mounted missiles, launched in batches of six, have a maximum range of 120 km (75 miles) and carry a warhead of 150 kg. Military analysts suggest that their deployment could significantly bolster Russia’s offensive capabilities in Ukraine.

However, despite the regime’s official denial, a senior Iranian official, also speaking anonymously, told Reuters that while Iran has not supplied Fath-360 missiles, they have indeed sold other missiles and drones to Russia.

Despite facing severe international sanctions, both Russia and Iran have managed to maintain a robust trade relationship, estimated at $4 billion. This economic cooperation extends beyond mere trade and weapons, with Iran providing Russia crucial advice on evading sanctions, including the use of front companies and money exchange houses.