(Image source from: AP)
According to a report from the Financial Times, Russia is delivering drone shipments to Iran as tensions increase with American and Israeli armies. Moscow, which has a strong relationship with Tehran, is also said to be providing food and medical supplies to Iran. This enhances the Kremlin's intelligence contributions, including data on targets and satellite images for Iran. Nevertheless, drones mark the first form of military aid that Moscow has offered Tehran since the conflict began on February 28. Discussions about drone transfers between Iran and Russia began shortly after attacks from Israel and the US on Tehran, as per two officials informed about the intelligence shared with the Financial Times. The report mentions that based on Western intelligence evaluations, Moscow has started sending drones to Tehran this month and plans to finish the gradual delivery of the equipment by the end of this month. However, Moscow has denied these shipment claims. When questioned, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked, "There are many false reports circulating right now. One truth is that we are continuing our talks with the Iranian leadership. "
Drones have played a central role in Iran's military exercises. Since the beginning of the war, they have created and launched over 3,000 low-cost drones. In turn, Russia has also been designing drones using Iranian models for its conflict in Ukraine starting in 2023. These drones are altered to avoid air defenses and to carry larger loads. Furthermore, it remains uncertain which specific drones Russia has agreed to supply Iran. The Financial Times report quotes one Western security official stating that Moscow will likely send models like the Geran-2, which is derived from the Iranian Shahed-136. Nonetheless, a senior Western official informed the publication that Moscow is not only helping to enhance Iran's military strength but also aiming to support the overall political stability of Tehran's government. The report noted that Israel targeted a military transport route between Russia and Iran located on the Caspian Sea last week.
Tehran has also requested more advanced air defense systems from Moscow, and last December, they finalized a deal for 500 portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years. However, Russian officials have declined Iran's requests for the S-400, one of the most advanced air defense systems available, as shared by current and former Western officials. The Kremlin seems hesitant to agree to such requests, concerned that it might worsen relations with Washington. Using the advanced S-400 system would require in-depth training and direct guidance for Iranian personnel, effectively putting Russian teams in a scenario where they could be directing attacks on US planes, officials have pointed out. Although Russia and Iran formalized a strategic partnership last year, the agreement did not include a commitment for mutual defense between the two countries.
