Russia offering Iran defense arms worth billions of dollars: WH

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 May 22:38

According to John Kirby, Iran is also aiming to purchase attack helicopters, radars, and combat trainer aircraft from Russia.

This Sept. 26, 2019 file photo, shows a Russian Su-35 fighter jet taking off at Hemeimeem air base in Syria (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby claimed on Friday that Iran wants to acquire billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia, which is already "offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation including on missiles, electronics, air defense."

"In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia... This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to the region - the Middle East - and to the international community."

According to the coordinator, Iran is also aiming to purchase attack helicopters, radars, and combat trainer aircraft from Russia.

Russia has already expressed interest in Iran's track record of aircraft development amidst pressure resulting from foreign sanctions. Earlier in April, despite Western sanctions, Russian flag carrier Aeroflot, for the first time, deployed an Airbus A330-300 to Iran for landing gear maintenance.

In March, Iran's mission to the UN told Sputnik back in March that a deal has been reached by Iran to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, but the delivery time and quantity have been classified.

Later that month, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian assured that Tehran and Moscow are boosting their cooperation, including in the military field.

In April, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said that the bilateral relations between his country and Moscow have been reaching new levels in light of both countries having a similar and sometimes unanimous approach toward regional and international issues.

"Today, relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation are reaching a new level," Jalali said during an academic event held in the Russian capital with a focus on the Persian language and Persian literature.

Even Iran's first vice president Mohammad Mokhber said last month during a meeting with Russian President’s Special Aide Igor Levitin that both countries can become the export center of some food items in the region with joint production and investment.