'Direct threat to European security': France, Germany, UK condemn Iran 'sending' ballistic missiles to Russia

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom condemned the export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, adding that it is a direct threat to European security.

The three nations issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying that they will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. They will also pursue the designations of significant entities and impose sanctions on Iran Air.

"The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people," they stated in the joint statement.

'Threat to European security'

"This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to European security," the statement read.

They further called on Iran to halt such practices in aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine.

"We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles," the statement added.

Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran, confirms Blinken

Earlier in the day, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said that Moscow has received new deadly ballistic missiles from Iran to use in Ukraine.

“This development and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran’s destabilising influence reaches far beyond the Middle East,” he said.

Watch |Iran rejects western accusations of Russia arms exports

Ukraine has been pushing the US to change its policy, however, Blinken, at a press conference in London, highlighted the obstacles to backing the Ukrainian request, noting that they doubt Ukraine's ability to maintain the missiles, training, and their strategic purpose.

Moreover, German chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a peace conference to be attended by Moscow, marking a sign of wavering support for Ukraine in parts of Europe, however, Blinken's confirmation of escalation may alter the debate.

(With inputs from agencies)