Iran has asked Russia for an advanced air defence system as it prepares for a possible war with Israel, with deliveries already underway, the New York Times reported, citing undisclosed Iranian officials.
Secretary of the Russian National Security Council and former Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu visited Tehran on August 5. His visit was linked precisely to Iran's claims that it was preparing to take revenge on Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital on July 31.
Shoigu met with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, Brigadier General Mohammad Bagheri, who heads the planning of military strikes against Israel, and the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Two Iranian officials familiar with military planning, one of whom is a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed that Iran has asked Russia for air defence systems.
According to Iranian officials, Russia has already begun supplying advanced radars and air defence equipment.
Iranian state television showed Shoigu and Bagheri greeting each other before taking part in a larger meeting at the negotiating table with members of the Russian delegation and the Iranian military.
"We are ready for full cooperation with Iran on regional issues," Shoigu said.
Bagheri told Shoigu that the relationship between their nations is "deep, long-term, strategic" and will only expand under a new Iranian government. | BGNES
