The son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser, businessman Hossein Shamkhani, is one of the key suppliers of Iranian arms to Russia. He started supplying weapons to support Moscow in the war against Ukraine last year. The transfer of goods is believed to be carried out across the Caspian Sea using the ships “Sea Castle” and “Sea Anchor”, which are also known as “Tooka” and “Roja”. For this, the businessman uses the network of his companies, in particular the Dubai-based “Crios Shipping LLC”. About this informs Bloomberg.
The shipments include missiles, drone components and dual-use goods, European and British officials said, as well as sources familiar with Shamkhani’s activities. His father previously served as Iran’s defense minister.
Payment for supplies is made in the form of barter: Moscow is settled with Iranian oil. This format of cooperation is becoming increasingly popular due to US and EU sanctions against both countries. The ships have made at least five voyages this year between Iranian ports and Russia’s Astrakhan.
Shamkhani supplies about a quarter of the total volume of Iranian weapons that go to Russia. Despite the official recognition of cooperation in the field of defense, the parties do not disclose its details. Although such trade may result in sanctions, it is not formally considered illegal.
