I ranian officials confirmed Monday that Russia has started delivering advanced air defense and radar equipment to Iran, as reported by the New York Times. This follows Tehran's request to the Kremlin for the arms, marking a significant development in the region's escalating tensions.
Local Iranian media had initially reported the request for the equipment. However, confirmation from a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and another official solidified that not only had the request been made, but deliveries were already underway.
This development comes amid heightened concerns in the Middle East over a potential direct Iranian attack on Israel. The attack is anticipated as retaliation for Israel's alleged assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Iran has vowed to "punish" Israel for Haniyeh's assassination, raising fears that its response could push the already volatile region closer to an all-out war. In addition to Iran's threats, Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy group, has also promised to strike Israel from Lebanon following the recent assassination of its military leader Fuad Shukr near Beirut, an attack claimed by Israel.
Israel has responded to these threats with a strong stance, ready to defend itself and counter any aggression. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed the option of a preemptive strike on Iran with security chiefs to thwart any imminent attacks. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Israel to be prepared to go on the offensive quickly if attacked.
The Times report did not specify the exact equipment Iran requested or received from Russia. Iran already possesses some Russian-made S-300 air defense systems, while Moscow now has the more advanced S-400 systems.
In April, Iran carried out an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, claiming it was revenge for the killing of a senior army commander in a Syrian strike blamed on Israel. The wave of approximately 300 missiles and drones was mostly intercepted by Israeli air defense systems, in collaboration with the US and several allied and Arab countries in the region, resulting in minor damage and injuring a young Bedouin girl.
In apparent retaliation, Israel struck an S-300 system near a nuclear site in Iran, though it did not confirm this action.
In a recent meeting with Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's security council, Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed determination to deepen relations with Russia, which he described as a "strategic partner." Pezeshkian highlighted Russia's support for Iran during difficult times and condemned Israel's "criminal actions" in Gaza and the assassination of Haniyeh.
Iran has long armed and trained proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis to attack Israel and other adversaries in the region. The situation escalated on October 7 when Hamas launched a devastating cross-border attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 to the Gaza Strip. Israel's response has been a military offensive aimed at destroying Hamas in Gaza and freeing the hostages.
Russia, which has largely supported Hamas and allied terror groups since the October 7 attacks, condemned the killing of Haniyeh and called for all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate the situation further.
Shared positions between Iran and Russia "in promoting a multipolar world will certainly lead to greater global security and peace," Pezeshkian stated. Shoigu, who transitioned from Russia’s defense minister to the security council in May, also met with Rear Admiral Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
The situation remains tense, with the US and other regional actors working to de-escalate the potential for a broader regional conflict.
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