Russia is sending a shipment of drones to Iran including upgraded versions of the drone technology that Tehran originally supplied to Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine, US and European officials told The Associated Press this week.
Iran has been firing drone barrages at Israel, its Gulf neighbours and US bases across the Middle East for more than a month following the US and Israeli attack on the country.
While Iran has its own stocks of Shahed drones, Russia has made improvements to the design during the war in Ukraine, including adding better navigation capabilities.
Russian and Iranian officials have had “very active” discussions this month regarding transferring drones from Russia to Iran, the European intelligence official told AP.
A US defense official said it is unclear if the shipment is a one-time delivery or part of a series.
Neither official could say how significant the delivery is or how many drones were sent.
Another European official said a small number of drones would not have a major impact on the outcome of the war.
All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The US defense official said Moscow’s motivation in giving Tehran more advanced drones is also unclear given that every munition sent to Tehran is one Russia is not able to launch at Ukraine.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told AP that “nothing provided to Iran by any other country is affecting our operational success.” She said the US military has struck more than 10,000 targets and destroyed more than 140 Iranian naval vessels leading to Iran’s missile attacks and drone attacks decreasing by 90%.
The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.
