Is the alliance getting stronger? The Iranian news agency "Tasnim" reported this morning (Tuesday) that the Russian government approved a deal for the sale of advanced fighter jets and helicopters to the Iranian Air Force. The deal comes after Iran supplied Russia with drones that were used by it during the war in Ukraine.
According to the report, Moscow will transfer to Tehran Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 helicopters and Yakovlev Yak-130 training aircraft. The Iranian deputy defense minister, Sardar Seyed Mehdi Farhi, told the news agency that the process of bringing in the planes is now "in full swing". In the past, Russia refrained from transferring the advanced aircraft to Iran, but following the rapprochement of the countries in recent months due to the sanctions from the Western countries, it seems that the Kremlin has decided to strengthen the military alliance.
As you may recall, last week it was reported that the White House fears an unusual action by Russia in the Middle East, which could include air assistance by Russian forces in Syria, or offensive actions against threats against Iran or Hezbollah. According to reports, in the last few days, the Pentagon has indicated far-reaching and unprecedented cooperation between Russia and Iran.
American intelligence officials indicated the fear that there could come a stage in the fighting where Russia, through its forces in Syria or through Wagner's forces in the Middle East, could provide air defense and direct air aid to Iran and Hezbollah. The new assessments come after what the White House describes as unprecedented cooperation between Iran and Syria, which amounts to unprecedented operational cooperation.
