According to The Wall Street Journal, the Kremlin is providing Tehran with satellite imagery, drone technologies, and experience in using unmanned aerial vehicles from the war in Ukraine. The goal is to help Iran strike U.S. and U.S. ally positions in the Middle East more accurately, as well as to support its ally in confronting the U.S. and Israel.
Source: Gazeta.UA
The technologies provided include parts of modified Shahed drones that improve communication, navigation, and strike accuracy. Russia is also advising Iran on the number of drones for attacks, launch altitude, and optimal use of the devices. Analysts note that this information resembles the intelligence that the U.S. and its allies have provided to Ukraine.
Despite limited assistance due to the war in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s caution regarding U.S. reactions, experts believe that the shared data gives Iran a real capability for precision strikes on military targets. The war in the Middle East is also economically advantageous for Moscow: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised oil prices, Russia’s main source of revenue, and the easing of U.S. sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil reduces pressure on the economy.
Analysts emphasize that, for the Kremlin, cooperation with Iran is a strategic move: supporting an ally while simultaneously testing American military capabilities, similar to how the U.S. provides intelligence to Ukraine.