UK and US worried about possible Iran-Russia nuclear deal

British officials believe Iran may be trading nuclear secrets as part of its closer relationship with Moscow.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia's sharing of nuclear and space technology with Iran could speed up its nuclear bomb development and heighten global instability. (AP photo)

The UK and US have raised concerns that Russia might be sharing nuclear technology with Iran in exchange for missiles to use in Ukraine. This was a key topic during a meeting between UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC.

Both countries are alarmed by the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, especially since Iran is advancing its uranium enrichment, a major step toward developing a nuclear weapon. British officials believe Iran may be trading nuclear secrets as part of its closer relationship with Moscow.

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 make a nuclear bomb. He said this partnership is creating more instability around the world.

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Iran’s uranium stockpile has increased significantly, worrying Western nations. Iran had agreed to stop its nuclear weapon development in a 2015 deal, but it broke those terms after the US, under President Donald Trump, pulled out of the agreement in 2018.

Also Read: | Ukraine expresses concern over ‘transfer’ of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia

These concerns have increased tensions in the Middle East, especially with Israel. Iran supports militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and Israel sees Iran’s nuclear activities as a direct threat.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia and Iran have grown closer. Iran has supplied drones to Russia and recently delivered Fath-360 missiles to Moscow, which could lead to more attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Also Read: | Ayatollah Khamenei signals possible negotiations with the US: A brief history of Iran-US ties

During the Washington meeting, the leaders also discussed providing Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which the UK and France have agreed to send. However, they need US approval since the missiles contain American-made parts.

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The goal is to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s ongoing attacks.

(With inputs from The Guardian)

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