Russia could be planning to help Iran “circumvent sanctions” by the West that have hindered their ability to build nuclear missiles in exchange for further weapons supplies to carry out strikes against Ukraine. A former FBI terrorism expert said Iranian leaders, currently presiding over the brutal crackdown of anti-regime protests, mercilessly killing and executing those who oppose them, could be seeking assistance from Vladimir Putin. As both countries face increased sanctions from the West, the nations appear to have strengthened their allegiance, empowering each other to overcome recent setbacks.
Former FBI terrorism expert Ali Soufan said the financial details of the deal between Russia and Iran are not yet known but likely include a “mix of cash, in-kind payments and other promises of assistance from Moscow,” according to The Mirror.
He said: “The financial terms of the production deal have not been reported and likely constitute a mix of cash, in-kind payments and other promises of assistance from Moscow.
“Both countries are subject to sweeping US and European sanctions and the extent to which Russia is able to provide Iran with hard currency payments for the drone production agreement is unclear.
“As an alternative Iranian leaders may seek additional Russian assistance to boost their nuclear program.”
He added: “Maintaining Russia as a partner may also help in circumventing sanctions that hinder Iran’s ability to acquire components and other goods for its advanced weapons programs.”
Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons was significantly hampered in 2015 under a deal with the west that saw sanctions on Tehran lifted as part of the exchange.
Key elements needed to produce the weapons were so depleted that Iran would not be able to produce the missiles.
This depletion of supplies was agreed to be put in place for 15 years, with the “break out” time subject to extension if Iran breached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement between China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union and Iran.
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Last week, The United States accused Russia of providing advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defense systems, in exchange for more kamikaze drones to be used to strike targets in Ukraine, a move that is feared could be a preamble to a future breach of the nuclear agreement. .
Hundreds of explosives-tipped unmanned weapons, known as deadly Shahed-136 drones, have been fired at Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure in the past month.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, citing US intelligence assessments, said Russia was offering Iran “an unprecedented level of military and technical support that is transforming their relationship into a full-fledged defense partnership”.
Helicopters and fighter jets, as well as drones, which resulted in new US sanctions, are reported to be part of the new deal between Russia and Iran.
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