Russia is reportedly completing a shipment of drones, medicine, and food to Iran, signaling a potential escalation in support for Tehran following recent US and Israeli strikes.
According to the Financial Times (FT), Russian and Iranian officials began secretly discussing drone deliveries days after US attacks on Tehran, with shipments already underway in early March and expected to be finalized by the end of the month.
If confirmed, the transfer of drones would mark the first known instance of Moscow providing lethal military support to Iran since the start of the conflict.
Western intelligence sources cited by the FT suggest Russia is aiming not only to bolster Iran’s battlefield capabilities but also to help stabilize the regime politically amid mounting pressure.
Publicly, Moscow says it is providing humanitarian support to Tehran, noting that more than 13 tonnes of medicine have already been delivered via Azerbaijan, with further shipments planned.
Privately, however, Russia has reportedly provided Tehran with satellite imagery, targeting data, and intelligence support, according to FT sources familiar with the matter.