Russia Delivers Drones and Aid to Iran Amid Conflict

Russia has begun delivering drones, medicine, and food to Iran as the country defends against coordinated attacks from the United States and Israel, according to Western intelligence reports. The shipments, which mark the first instance of lethal military aid from Moscow to Tehran in the ongoing conflict, started in early March and are expected to conclude by the end of the month.

Senior Iranian and Russian officials initiated secret discussions on the deliveries shortly after the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28. The phased operation aims to degrade Iran's military capabilities, including its navy and missile arsenal. U.S. officials report significant progress, noting the destruction of nearly 30 Iranian ships and a 90 percent reduction in ballistic missile strikes against American forces and regional partners. The war, now in its fourth week, has disrupted global energy supplies, particularly through Iran's influence over the Strait of Hormuz.

The drone shipments represent a deepening of the military partnership between Russia and Iran, which has grown over recent years. Iran has supplied Moscow with hundreds of Shahed-type one-way...