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The United States suspects Russia will supply Iran with fighter jets. Photo/REUTERS
WASHINGTON – The government of the United States (US) suspects Russia will supply fighter jets to Iran . National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said it was the latest sign of increasing defense cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Iran, Kirby said, has been supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine for months.
In November, Iran shipped artillery and tank shells to Russia for use in Ukraine. Now, Russia plans to work with Iran to get more military equipment in return.
“Russia has offered an unprecedented amount of defense cooperation, including missile, electronics and air defense,” Kirby said, as quoted by Politico, Saturday (25/2/2023).
Also read: Russia is reportedly ready to supply Iran with 24 Su-35 fighter jets
According to him, Iran is also seeking to buy Russian attack helicopters, radars and combat trainers. In total, Tehran hopes to get billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Moscow.
When asked for details on the type of fighter jet or when it would be delivered, Kirby declined to elaborate.
“We will be watching this very closely to see what, if anything, actually happened,” he said.
Kirby added that a closer military alliance between the two countries could make Western efforts in Ukraine and elsewhere more complicated.
“Not only will this make things more difficult in Ukraine, but it may also make the security situation in the Middle East even more difficult for our partners and friends there,” he said.
Last year, the US imposed sanctions on Iran for allegedly planning to sell or is already selling Russian weapons, including drones and surface-to-surface missiles.
In December, senior administration official Joe Biden said Moscow was providing “unprecedented” military and technical support to Tehran in exchange for weapons.
Last spring, officials said Iranian pilots were trained in Russia to fly Russian fighter jets, suggesting that Iran may start receiving the planes within the next year.
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