US sounds alarm over Russia’s plan to send fighter jets, helicopters to Iran
Russia has reportedly agreed to send advanced fighter jets and attack helicopters to Iran in a deal that will provide a significant boost to the country’s air force, state media reports.
The agreement, which marks the first time Tehran has purchased fighter aircraft since the 1990s, has raised alarms in the United States over the deepening defense cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
The finalised plans include the delivery of Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainers.
The US, expressing heightened concern, warns that this expanded defense partnership is detrimental to Ukraine, Tehran’s neighbors, and the international community.
Despite the Kremlin not publicly confirming the deal, Iran’s deputy defense minister, as cited by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, revealed the specifics of the agreement.
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that “this military collaboration between Russia and Iran is a cause for worry, particularly in light of Russia’s isolation on the world stage due to its actions in Ukraine”.
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The Institute for the Study of War cautions that “the transfer of Russian aircraft to Iran could take months, and the move follows a period of political coordination between the two nations regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict”.
As tensions rise, the US has urged Tehran to avoid escalating the conflict, emphasizing the potential regional repercussions.
In the backdrop of Russia’s disrupted arms exports due to its involvement in the war in Ukraine, the reported agreement is seen as an effort by Moscow to secure foreign military sales.
The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Iran’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine has led to an exchange of military assistance, including artillery ammunition, guided aerial bombs, and drones.
As concerns grow, the US is taking steps, such as imposing sanctions, to counterbalance the increasing military ties between Russia and Iran. The unfolding situation adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape, with potential ramifications for the Middle East and beyond.