Speculation has swirled that Moscow may redirect some 24 SU-35 jets currently grounded in Russia after an Egyptian order for them was cancelled.
The fighter jets would represent a significant modernisation of Iran’s aging air force and would increase the threat posed by Iran across the Middle East and to Israel.
It came as the Ministry of Defence said on Friday that new Iranian drones were appearing in Ukraine, causing fresh havoc on the battlefield.
The White House said the Iran-Russia relationship is transforming into “a full-fledged defence partnership” with weapons and military expertise flowing in both directions, the officials said.
‘Sordid deals threatening global security’
James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, claimed the “sordid deals” between Russia and Iran are threatening global security.
Meanwhile, Barbara Woodward, the UK’s ambassador to the UN, confirmed on Friday that Russia is attempting to obtain more weapons from Iran, including hundreds of the missiles.
“In return, Russia is offering Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support. We’re concerned that Russia intends to provide Iran with more advanced military components, which will allow Iran to strengthen their weapons capability,” she said.
The White House said last night: “This partnership poses a threat not just to Ukraine, but to Iran’s neighbours in the region.” One senior administration official said: “We have shared this information with partners in the Middle East and around the world.”
