US claims Russia & Iran are developing defence partnership

The US has claimed that Russia and Iran are developing a fully fledged defence partnership to help Russia in the war against Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia is looking to Iran once again to resupply the Russian military with drones and surface-to-surface missiles. "Russia is offering Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support that is transforming their relationship into a fully fledged defence partnership," Kirby said."I think it's important for us to be clear this partnership poses a threat not just to Ukraine, but to Iran's neighbours in the region," he said. Concerns about new weapon sales to Russia come after Iran sold hundreds of attack drones to Russian over the summer. 

"Supports flowing both ways," said Kirby and added that Russia is seeking to collaborate with Iran on areas like weapons development and trade. As part of this collaboration, we are concerned that Russia intends to provide Iran with advanced military components. The US said that that the two countries are considering joint production of lethal drones, he added. After initially denying sending any drones to Russia, the Middle Eastern country later admitted it had supplied some before the invasion of Ukraine.

Kirby said the US would sanction three Russian-based entities active in “the acquisition and use of Iranian drones”. The sanctions apply to the Russian Aerospace Forces, the 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation and the Command of the Military Transport Aviation. The US also believes Iran is considering the sale of “hundreds of ballistic missiles” to Russia, Kirby said.