IFX-Russia & Iran Discuss Military Cooperation

Russian state-run Interfax reporting that officials from the Russian and Iranian defence ministries discussed cooperation during the visit by an Iranian military delegation to Moscow. On 21 August, state-run TASS confirmed the visit, stating that the two sides would "discuss cooperation between Iranian and Russian ground forces,".

• NYT: "Iran’s prowess in drone and missile production and its hostile relations with the West have made it an appealing partner for Russia. [...] "Iran is considered by the Russian Federation to be one of the key countries in the Middle East. It is a strategic partner of Russia,” General Salyukov said in a statement released by the ministry. For his part, General Heydari said that Tehran’s ground forces were ready to increase their cooperation with Russia..."
• The announcement of closer cooperation comes a day after Iran unveiled its latest armed drone, the Mohajer 10. Tehran has faced increased western sanctions as a result of accusations of supplying drones to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine.
• A closer military relationship between Russia and Iran remains a major concern to the US and NATO. In mid-Aug the FT reported that the US was seeking to encourage Iran to halt shipments of drones to Russia as part of an 'unwritten understanding' that fresh sanctions would not be imposed on Tehran. Comes as a prisoner exchange deal raises speculation of further indirect talks between Iran and the US on the former's nuclear programme.