The White House said on Friday that Russia is considering sending fighter jets to Iran in the context of expanded military cooperation, which has included Tehran shipping increasing amounts of weapons to Moscow for use in the Ukraine war.
"We believe that Russia may engage in unprecedented defense cooperation with Iran, including missiles, electronics and air defense. We believe that Russia may provide combat aircraft to Iran," said John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House.
Kirby added that Iran, which is subject to Western sanctions because of its nuclear program, is seeking to strengthen its army with Russian help, in exchange for sending weapons to be used in the war against Ukraine, which has been going on for a year.
Additional equipment
"Iran is also seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and combat training aircraft. In all, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment," the US official said.
And Abizaid, a spokesman for the National Security Council, "We feared that it would go both ways, and it is certain that these fears are materialized."
John Kirby said that Iran had already sent hundreds of drones to Russia in November 2022, as well as ammunition for artillery and tanks.
On the 18th of this month, the American New York Times published an analysis revealing Iran's readiness to receive the Russian Sukhoi-35 fighter.
Iran's fleet of warplanes is dominated by Russian "MIG" and "Sukhoi" aircraft dating back to the Soviet era, as well as Chinese warplanes, including the "F-7", in addition to some The American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets were bought by Tehran before the Iranian revolution in 1979.