The White House has warned of "dramatic" Iranian escalation - after reports emerged that short-range missiles had been sent from Tehran to Moscow. Washington said it was the latest example of the deepening security partnership between the two countries. Meloni pledges Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine A bit more from the business and economics conference taking place in northern Italy this morning (see 10.58am post). Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has promised her unwavering support for Ukraine in its efforts against Russia. "The choice of supporting Ukraine has been first and foremost a choice of national interest, and it's a choice that won't change," she said. She also suggested Russian partners in Beijing and New Delhi should help negotiate an end to the conflict. "I believe China and India have a role to play to resolve the conflict. The only thing that cannot happen is to think that the conflict can be solved by abandoning Ukraine." She made the comments shortly after meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy for private talks.
Ukraine war latest: US warns of 'dramatic' Iranian escalation after 'Tehran's missiles arrive in Russia'
US states benefitting from funding Ukraine, Pentagon says
Pennsylvania, Arizona and Texas are among American states benefiting most from funding and investment to arm Ukraine, according to the Pentagon.
The US has spent billions - and more than any other partner - on funding Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022.
A breakdown of spending released by the government showed Arizona saw $2.02bn of spending and investments related to Ukraine, while Texas had $1.85bn.
Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the upcoming presidential election, received the most of any state with $2.52bn.
The Biden administration has been stressing since last year that many of the weapons sent to Kyiv would be replaced through billions worth of new contracts won by US companies that employ American workers.
Despite this, Republicans have been calling for foreign aid to places including Ukraine to stop and for funding to be directed internally before being sent abroad.
Zelenskyy in Italy for Meloni talks
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in northern Italy today for talks with Georgia Meloni.
Yesterday, the Ukrainian president addressed attendees of the three-day Cernobbio TEHA Forum and pleaded with Western leaders to give him long-range weapons for against airfields inside Russian territory.
"Just to use this weapon, which can work with 100 and 300km. That's all. That's all, no other ideas," he said.
On this second day of the conference, he's set for private talks with the Italian prime minister.
Despite concerns before the election that she would not support Kyiv, Ms Meloni has strongly backed Ukraine and pledged to continue doing so.
Mr Zelenskyy may also meet other world leaders at the the annual tech and business conference on the shores of Lake Como - with French, Saudi Arabian and Hungarian diplomats and leaders among the other attendees.
Explained: What Iran is getting out of its 'strategic partnership' with Russia
A short time ago, we reported on US claims that Iran was risking "dramatic escalation" by its alleged transfer of short-range ballistic weapons to the Kremlin (see 8.12am post).
Despite strong ties pre-dating the conflict, Russian-Iranian relations have deepened since the start of the Ukraine war - with Tehran sending thousands of drones to Moscow for use against Kyiv.
But what does Iran get out of this partnership?
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests Tehran benefits both militarily and financially from its dealings with Moscow.
"Iran has sought cash for its ailing economy in return for selling weapons to the Kremlin," it says - amply provided by Moscow given Vladimir Putin has shifted Russian financial systems and legislation towards a war economy.
And - like Russia - Iran has suffered from years of US and allied sanctions, so cash from its ally is gladly received.
Tehran also seeks to procure Russian Su-35 fighter jets, the ISW says.
"The acquisition of Su-35s could enable Iran to more readily and independently project air power, given that the current Iranian air fleet is outdated and poorly maintained," ISW says.
Not only that, but ISW adds "Iranian leaders have separately sought Russian support in upgrading their cyber capabilities and missile and space programs as part of the expanding military collaboration".
One thing the ISW does not comment on, however, is the political angle.
Iran has many, many enemies.
Those range from as nearby as Israel, and as far away as Washington. Some Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are also united against Tehran.
Allies are fewer and further between - so having one of the size, power and strength of Russia is key for Iran.
This isn't a new partnership - since the fall of the Soviet Union, Moscow and Tehran have enjoyed close ties - but it's undoubtedly accelerated in recent years.
For example in 2007, Iran became the only country in Western Asia to be invited to join the Collective Security Treaty Organisation - the Russian-led answer to NATO.
Relations have deepened further since Russia's diplomatic (and economic) isolation following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 - with Iran's strong military production base offering Moscow thousands of "Shahed" drones.
If reports are accurate, and Russia has now received short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, it underlines just how far this relationship has come.
