The Financial Times has uncovered evidence that Russian officials and engineers have traveled multiple times to Iran as part of a secret program called C430L, aimed at helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles capable of threatening American aircraft carriers and other warships in the Middle East. The program began in 2023 and continued during the conflict between the US and Israel. Experts suggest this transfer of sensitive military technology would require high-level approval in Russia. While Iran has built and tested such propulsion systems, there is no evidence yet that the Russian-assisted supersonic cruise missile has been deployed. Western officials have already accused Russia of aiding Iran through satellite imagery, drones, and weapon components, while Tehran has supplied Moscow with Shahed drones for the Ukraine conflict. The C430L program was ongoing when President Vladimir Putin warned in 2024 about potential retaliation against Western transfers of advanced long-range missiles to Ukraine. The program continued into this year after the start of the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran.
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from the Financial Times, which is a reputable international news outlet known for balanced reporting. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. Instead, it reports on verified information regarding a covert military cooperation
