Russia supplying drones to Iran — first lethal support as phased shipment nears completion (FT)
Russia is close to completing a phased delivery of drones, medicine, and food to Iran according to western intelligence reported by the Financial Times. Senior Iranian and Russian officials began secretly discussing drone deliveries days after the US-Israel attack on Tehran on 28 February. The Kremlin denied the report, saying the media is 'printing a lot of lies' and that 'one thing is true — we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.'
Actor responses
Russia has not publicly confirmed drone shipments to Iran. Western intelligence officials report Moscow is completing a phased delivery of drones along with food and medicine, marking the first Russian lethal support since the conflict began.
Western intelligence officials briefed on the shipments characterize Russia's lethal support to Iran as a significant escalation that could extend the conflict.
Iran has not publicly confirmed receipt of Russian drone shipments. Senior Iranian officials reportedly began negotiations with Moscow days after the initial US-Israeli attack on 28 February.
Sources