US: Concern over “large-scale military cooperation” between Russia and Iran

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While Tehran already supplies the Russian military with drones, Russia has “offered Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support,” said John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council.

The White House on Friday expressed deep concern over deepening “large-scale military cooperation” between Tehran and Moscow, which has denied it needs military support from anyone on the Ukraine front.

While Tehran already supplies the Russian military with UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) used in Ukraine, Russia has “offered Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support” that “turns their relationship into a full-fledged defense cooperation”, argued John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council.

This development is “ominous” for Ukraine, Iran’s neighboring countries and the “international community”, he added.

Citing US intelligence, Kerby said Moscow and Tehran plan to start joint production of “killer” UAVs in Russia, without elaborating. He added that Iran is considering selling Russia “hundreds” of ballistic missiles.

For its part, Moscow is willing to provide Iran with “advanced” equipment, helicopters, air defense systems and fighter jets, the US official said.

Citing reports that Iranian pilots have begun training on Su-35 fighter jets in Russia, John Kirby said that “Iran may receive fighter jets next year,” which would “significantly increase” the capabilities of the Iranian air force.

“We ask Iran to change course,” he said, warning Tehran about both the possible sale of ballistic missiles and the possibility of joint production of UAVs with Russia. “We will use every means at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities, and we are prepared to do more,” he added.

RES-EMP

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