Russia is reportedly sending a shipment of advanced drones to Iran, including upgraded models of technology originally supplied by Tehran to Moscow during the Ukraine war, U.S. and European officials told The Associated Press.
Iran has recently intensified drone attacks against Israel, neighboring Gulf states, and U.S. bases in the Middle East, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. While Tehran possesses its own Shahed drones, Russia has enhanced the original design, adding improved navigation and operational capabilities developed during the conflict in Ukraine.
European intelligence sources described Russian-Iranian talks this month as “very active” regarding the drone transfer. A U.S. defense official said it remains unclear whether the delivery is a one-off shipment or part of a broader program. Officials did not disclose the number of drones sent or the strategic impact of the transfer. One European official suggested that a small shipment would likely not alter the course of the Ukraine war.
The U.S. defense source noted that Russia’s motives for supplying Iran with more advanced drones are uncertain, as every drone sent to Tehran is one Russia cannot deploy on the battlefield in Ukraine.
All officials spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
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