Russia has agreed to unprecedented military cooperation with Iran in exchange for support for actions in Ukraine, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said. He expressed concern over the growing “strategic partnership” between Tehran and Moscow.
“In response to Iran’s support in Ukraine, Russia has offered Iran unprecedented military cooperation, including on missiles and air defense,” Mr. Austin said at a press conference with Defense Secretary Yoav Galant. His words are given in site US Department of Defense.
The head of the Pentagon said that cooperation between the Russian Federation and Iran is manifested, among other things, in the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine. According to Mr. Austin, Iran is gaining “important military experience in Ukraine.” He fears that this experience could be passed on to pro-Iranian factions in the Middle East. Moscow and Tehran have previously repeatedly denied the supply of drones for their use during the Russian military operation.
Lloyd Austin is visiting the Middle East. The main topics for discussion are the Iranian threat, the risks posed to the region by cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, as well as the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Read more about the visit in Kommersant’s article “The Pentagon is trying to put out the fires in the Middle East.”
