G7 & US Threaten 'New & Significant' Measures If Missiles Sent To Russia

Wires reporting comments from a G7 statement, claiming that the group is "extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia." The G7 claims that they will respond swiftly, including with "new and significant" measures against Iran if it is determined that Tehran has supplied Moscow with ballistic missiles.

• Wires also reporting comments from an unnamed senior US official saying that the US joins in the G7 warning, adding that Iran would face significant penalties that could include a ban on Iranian flights into Europe if missile transfers take place. Adds that the US has not yet confirmed whether Iran has indeed transferred and ballistic missiles.
• The G7 statement and US comments comes days reports suggested that the draft resolution at next week's European Council summit could issue a similar ultimatum regarding 'new and significant' measures. Reuters: "France, Germany and Britain last September retained ballistic missile and nuclear proliferation-related sanctions on Iran that were set to expire in October under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Officials at the time said that decision had been made in large part due to Russia's use of Iranian drones against Ukraine and the possibility Iran might transfer ballistic missiles to Russia."
• Tensions already high amid concerns about Iranian nuclear enrichment, the risk of escalation should Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel skirmishes intensify, and Tehran's support for Houthis in Yemen and their attacks on Red Sea shipping.