G7 gives Iran sharp warning not to send ballistic missiles to Russia

CAPRI, Italy — The G7 sent a pointed warning to Iran on Friday to refrain from sending ballistic missiles to Russia, saying that such a move would trigger "new and significant measures against Iran."

The warning, issued in a communiqué by G7 finance ministers, came just hours after an Israeli retaliatory strike on Iran. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told reporters in Capri that the United States had been "informed" by Israel about the strike at "the last minute, but there was no involvement on the part of the United States."

The G7's admonition follows intelligence reports indicating that Iran might replenish Russia's depleted stocks of ballistic missiles and related technology.

"We call on Iran not to do so, as it would represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine," the G7 text reads. If Tehran were to do so, "we are prepared to respond in a swift and coordinated manner, including with new and significant measures against Iran," the ministers said in the communiqué.

One of the mulled potential sanctions could be flight restrictions to Iran Air, although there are still open legal questions, according to two officials familiar with the discussions who were granted anonymity to discuss private discussions.

The G7 also expressed "strong concern about transfers to Russia from business in China of dual-use materials and components for weapons and equipment for military production."