The Pentagon is set to hold a solemn observance ceremony tomorrow at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, commemorating the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. The event will be led by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General CQ Brown Jr. The private ceremony is reserved for family members of the victims, offering them the opportunity to honor their loved ones. The ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, but earlier in the morning, at 6:46 AM, a large American flag will be unfurled down the side of the Pentagon in the same location where a flag was placed by firefighters and soldiers on September 12, 2001. This gesture symbolizes the resilience and hope of the American people in the face of the horrific events of that day.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense continues to monitor growing instability in the Middle East and remains focused on safeguarding U.S. assets and interests in the region. Secretary Austin recently held talks with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to discuss Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations amid ongoing conflict. Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to de-escalating tensions and securing a ceasefire that would allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
In a parallel development, the U.S. has confirmed that Iran has supplied Russia with shipments of Fateh 360 close-range ballistic missiles, heightening concerns over the security situation in Europe. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder addressed the issue during a briefing, noting that U.S. assessments suggest Russia could deploy the missiles against Ukraine in the coming weeks, potentially increasing civilian casualties. “This is a deeply concerning development,” Ryder said, adding that the Iranian-Russian partnership now poses a broader threat to European stability.
The Fateh 360 missiles, which have a range of approximately 75 miles, would allow Russia to preserve its longer-range missile capabilities for other military operations. Ryder emphasized that although the exact number of missiles transferred is unclear, the U.S. is closely watching the situation. “These missiles could allow Russia to continue its strikes on civilian infrastructure and urban centers,” he warned.
The relationship between Iran and Russia continues to evolve, with intelligence suggesting that Russian personnel were trained in Iran to operate the Fateh 360 missile system. While it remains unclear what Iran received in return for the missile shipments, officials speculate that intelligence, nuclear cooperation, and other technological exchanges could be part of the deal. Ryder underscored the broader implications of this growing cooperation, noting that it further destabilizes both the Middle East and Europe. He also pointed to the possibility that this would not be a one-time deal, as Russia is likely to seek continued military support from Iran in the future.
In other developments, Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, recently held a video conference with General Wu Yanan of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command. This discussion was a follow-up to the November 2023 meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed to resume high-level military-to-military communication. The conversation between Paparo and General Wu underscored the importance of sustained dialogue to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. The U.S. hopes that this will be the first of many such engagements as part of an effort to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Pentagon also noted the upcoming Russian naval exercise, Okean 2024, which will involve ships from across Russia’s naval fleets. The U.S. has been tracking this exercise for some time and has noted that China is the only active participant. While no threat to the U.S. homeland or NATO allies is anticipated, the Pentagon continues to monitor the exercise closely in coordination with NATO partners.
Additionally, the third INDUS X summit between the U.S. and India is currently underway at Stanford University. The summit, which promotes defense collaboration between the two countries, aims to foster innovation and co-production of military capabilities. Secretary Austin has described INDUS X as a vital initiative for ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, with strong defense ties between India and the U.S. playing a central role.
In response to media inquiries about the Iranian missile transfers, Ryder confirmed that dozens of Russian military personnel were trained in Iran to operate the Fateh 360 missiles. While no exact figure was given for the number of missiles transferred, the Pentagon remains concerned about how these weapons could impact Ukraine’s defense efforts. Ryder emphasized that the U.S. and its allies will continue to prioritize air defense systems for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, NASAMS, and other anti-aircraft systems.
Looking beyond the immediate threat to Ukraine, the broader implications of the Iranian-Russian partnership are worrying for European security. Ryder reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring it has the resources necessary to defend against new threats, including the recently transferred missiles and ongoing drone strikes.
Ryder also fielded questions regarding other geopolitical developments, including ongoing air defense concerns in the Middle East, particularly with the Houthi threat to maritime operations. As the situation in Syria and Iraq remains complex, the U.S. is maintaining its military presence in the region to counter the lingering ISIS threat, while working closely with local governments to ensure regional stability.
As the world watches the growing military partnerships between nations like Russia, Iran, and China, the U.S. Department of Defense is reinforcing its alliances and maintaining its focus on global security challenges.–News Desk