The Pentagon expresses concern over Iran's provision of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

The provision of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia by Iran is a "deeply concerning development" that endangers European security and highlights the extent of Iran's efforts to destabilize the region beyond the Middle East, according to the Pentagon.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that missiles were transferred between the two countries and Russia is likely to use them in Ukraine within weeks.

According to Blinken, the provision of Iranian missiles allows Russia to utilize more of its arsenal for targets situated farther from the front line, while it dedicates new missiles received from Iran for closer range targets.

The US will announce additional sanctions on Iran later in the day, as Blinken pledged that Tehran would face consequences for the transfer.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary, stated that the Pentagon concurs with the views of the State Department.

"This partnership between Iran and Russia poses a threat to European security and highlights the extent of Iran's destabilizing influence, which extends beyond the Middle East and globally. We will closely monitor these developments with our allies and partners in Europe and the Middle East and continue to support Ukraine's defense against the potential threat posed by these missile systems."

According to Ryder, the missiles have a range of approximately 75 miles, making them "short-range" or "close range."

The press secretary stated that Russia's long-range capabilities would be maintained through the use of missiles, allowing it to strike civilian targets on the battlefield.

The Pentagon believes that dozens of Russian military personnel were trained in Iran on how to use the missile system, though the specific intelligence regarding the number of missiles remains confidential.

Ryder remarked that they have not used them yet, but they are closely monitoring any updates.

The Pentagon revealed that Russia and Iran are exchanging information on their nuclear programs, space technology, and other capabilities in exchange for missiles.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday cautioned that Iran has been developing its nuclear program without any oversight for the past three and a half years and has increased its highly enriched uranium stockpiles to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade uranium, which requires 90% purity levels.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urged Masoud Pezeshkian, the new Iranian President, to meet with him in the near future to establish a constructive dialogue on lifting sanctions on Iran.

On Tuesday, Blinken warned that aiding Russia in its deadly war against Ukraine will have dire consequences for Tehran.

"Iran's new president and foreign minister have stated their desire to re-engage with Europe and receive sanctions relief, but Blinken warned that such actions will only lead to further destabilization."

Planet Chronicle’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.