“This military partnership with Russia has shown the world Iran's defense capabilities,” the military official said. “This does not mean that we are taking Russia's side in the Ukraine conflict.”
There is a huge threat to Iran's cleric rulers amid the war that started between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas after October 7. They are also facing growing discontent at home over the economic crisis and social restrictions.
While Tehran is trying to avoid a direct confrontation with Israel that could attract the United States, its resistance axis allies – including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen – have attacked Israeli and US targets. .
A Western diplomat briefed on the matter confirmed deliveries of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia in recent weeks, without giving further details.
He said Western countries are concerned that reciprocal arms transfers by Russia to Iran could strengthen its position in any potential conflict with the United States and Israel.
Iran said in November that it had finalized arrangements to provide Russia with Su-35 fighter aircraft, Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 pilot training aircraft.
Gregory Brough, an analyst at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said Russia is an ally of convenience for Iran.
“The relationship is one of give and take: in exchange for the drones, Iran expects greater security cooperation and advanced weaponry, especially modern aircraft,” he said.