Report: Russia expands military cooperation with Iran

Russia is expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to help Tehran target US forces in the region, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the report, the support includes satellite imagery collected by Russian military satellites as well as technical assistance aimed at improving the effectiveness of Iranian drones. The cooperation reflects a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Iran has supplied Russia with large numbers of Shahed drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Western governments say the military relationship between the two countries has grown steadily closer in recent years.

The report could not be independently verified. Russia and Iran have repeatedly denied that their cooperation is directed against third countries.

(reuters, im)