“We are particularly concerned about Iran’s growing strategic partnership with Russia,” Austin said.
According to him, such cooperation includes the use of Iranian drones on the territory of Ukraine.
“Over the past year, Russia’s military cooperation with Iran has deepened. This poses serious challenges for this region. Iran is gaining important combat experience in Ukraine, which will be transferred to Tehran-controlled forces in the Middle East,” the defense minister said.
Austin added that Russia has offered Iran unprecedented military cooperation, including on missiles and air defenses.