Monitoring Desk
WASHINGTON: Russia is considering to send fighter jets to Iran as part of a broadening military cooperation that has seen Iranian ship growing quantities of weaponry to Russia for use in the invasion of Ukraine, said the White House on Friday.
National security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States (US) had information that Iran had shipped tank rounds and artillery to Russia in November, and Mowcow was offering defense cooperation in return.
“We believe Moscow might provide Tehran unprecedented defense cooperation, including missiles, air defense, and electronics. We believe that Russia might provide fighter jets to Iran,” Kirby told reporters.
White House claims Iran boosting military with Russian support
Kirby said Iran, deeply isolated by Western sanctions aimed at halting its disputed nuclear program, sought to bolster its military with Russian support in exchange for sending armaments used against Ukraine.
“Iran is also seeking to purchase more military equipment from Russia, including combat training aircraft, attack helicopters, and radars. Iran is seeking worth billions of dollars in military equipment,” John Kirby said.
According to Kirby, Iran has already sent hundreds of drones and artillery and tank ammunition to Russia, and “Iran’s support for Russia’s war has expanded.”
Kirby’s statement comes as the US marked the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Friday with $2 billion in weaponry for Kyiv and new sanctions against Russia to undermine Moscow’s ability to wage war.
