On July 11, the American national security advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the Islamic Republic intends to supply Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles. These would likely include the sort of “suicide drones” Iran used to attack Saudi oil facilities in 2019, and could mount a difficult challenge to Ukrainian air defenses. Meanwhile Vladimir Putin plans to visit the Middle East, including Tehran, in the coming days. Ron Ben-Yishai comments:
Even if the UAV deal between Iran and Russia doesn’t go through, this marks a dramatic shift in Iran’s stance as it turns into a direct threat to NATO countries and the EU. . . . Tehran has taken an active part in the global confrontation in favor of the Russia-China bloc.
This confirms what Israel has been claiming for years: Iran is not only aspiring for regional hegemony but also to become a significant actor on the world stage. This is why it develops long-range missiles and drones that can reach Israel, Europe, and maybe even North America.
The Russians’ acceptance of Iranian aid may also affect their approach toward Israeli activities in Syria against Iranian entrenchment. This may even be a Russian declaration they are taking Iran’s side, which could restrict Israel’s freedom of action in Syrian and Lebanese airspace.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz now have a very good reason to ask Biden for offensive weapon systems that could help Israel and its allies in the Middle East protect themselves against a nuclear Iran as well as against the drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles the Islamic Republic is churning out at breakneck speed.
Read more on Ynet: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bj289jjo5