Russia begins drone shipments to Iran after US and Israeli strikes

According to Western intelligence assessments, Russia has begun sending attack drones to Tehran just days after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Intelligence findings reviewed by the Financial Times indicate that Moscow and Tehran reached a covert agreement in the early days of the military confrontation.

Assessments suggest the deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of March. However, there is no definitive data on the total number of systems Iran is set to receive. Similarly, the specific models of the drones remain unclear.

A Western intelligence official said the shipment may include Geran-2 systems, which Russia has developed based on Iran’s Shahed-136 platform.

Experts say Russia has upgraded the systems technically

Nicole Grajewski, a specialist in Russia-Iran relations at Sciences Po in Paris, said Moscow has introduced significant technical modifications to the systems. “The Russians have substantially improved the Shahed platform. The engines, navigation systems, and electronic countermeasure protections have been altered. As a result, the systems now exceed Iran’s domestic versions in capability,” she said.

The same intelligence sources added that Iran has requested more advanced air defense systems from Russia. However, Moscow reportedly declined to supply S-400 systems, citing the risk of escalating tensions with the US.

Claims persist over intelligence sharing and diplomatic contacts

Earlier reports citing US officials suggested that Russia had provided intelligence to Iran for use in attacks against US forces in the Middle East. Politico wrote that Moscow had asked Washington to halt intelligence sharing with Kyiv in exchange for suspending its support to Tehran.

The Kremlin described these reports as “incorrect” but did not provide a detailed response to allegations of intelligence transfers to Iran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had not received any request for military assistance from Tehran.

Meanwhile, Russia announced it had delivered more than 13 tonnes of medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan and said humanitarian shipments would continue.

Last week, Israel carried out an airstrike on the Caspian Sea port of Bandar Anzali. The port holds strategic importance for shipments of oil and grain, as well as weapons and drones.

The Israeli military said the strike targeted military vessels, port infrastructure, a command center, and a ship repair facility.