British officials suspect Iran may be sharing nuclear secrets as part of its growing ties with Moscow.
The UK and US have raised concerns that Russia might be giving nuclear technology to Iran in exchange for missiles to use in its war against Ukraine. This issue was a key point of discussion when UK Labour leader Keir Starmer met US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC.
Both countries are worried about the increasing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, especially as Iran moves forward with uranium enrichment, which brings it closer to making a nuclear weapon. British officials believe Iran could be sharing nuclear knowledge as part of its closer ties with Moscow.
Iran’s stockpile of uranium has grown significantly, causing concern among Western countries. In 2015, Iran had agreed to stop its nuclear weapons development, but after the US, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the agreement in 2018, Iran broke those terms.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that Russia is sharing nuclear and space technology with Iran, which could speed up Iran’s ability to build a nuclear bomb. He said this partnership is adding to global instability.
These worries have increased tensions in the Middle East, especially with Israel. Iran supports groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and Israel views Iran’s nuclear activities as a direct threat.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia and Iran have grown closer. Iran has supplied drones to Russia and recently delivered Fath-360 missiles, which could lead to more attacks on Ukrainian cities.
During the Washington meeting, Starmer and Biden also talked about providing Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which the UK and France have agreed to send. However, US approval is needed since the missiles contain American-made parts.