Iran ‘remains Russia's top military backer,’ US says

Iran has maintained its place as Russia’s primary military supplier as the Kremlin pursues its war against Ukraine, the White House said Monday.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Russia and Iran "are expanding their unprecedented defense partnership," with Iran sending Moscow artillery and tank rounds, as well as over 400 armed drones, primarily including Shahed suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Kirby told reporters.

Most of those drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian critical infrastructure, he added.

“Iran has been directly enabling Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Interactions between Iran and Russia in matters regarding the selling of advanced weapons, especially more advanced UAVs are now continuing,” Kirby said.

“If Iran proceeds with selling these additional and more advanced UAVs to Russia which have also been used to target US personnel in the Middle East. There is every reason to believe that Russia will use them to continue its attacks against Ukrainian targets, causing more Ukrainian casualties,” he added.

In return for the assistance, Russia has offered Iran cooperation on its development of missiles, electronics and air defenses, as well as the sale of SU-35 fighter jets, according to the White House. Iran is further seeking to purchase attack helicopters, radars, and Yak 130 combat trainer aircraft.

“Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment in Russia. The partnership between Russia and Iran is directly enabling Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East, posing a threat not just to Ukraine, of course, but also to Iran's neighbors,” he added.