Iran seeks Russian missile aid as tensions rise with Israel

High-ranking Russian security official Sergei Shoigu arrived in Tehran on Monday as Iran prepares to retaliate against Israel for the killing of a Hamas political leader. This is a "provocation that has threatened to touch off a regional war," reports the "NYT." It is now clear what Iran has requested from Moscow.

Former Russian Defense Minister, Vladimir Putin's close associate, and current security official Sergei Shoigu met with Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the commander of the Iranian armed forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Bagheri, who is directing the planning of military attacks on Israel. Shoigu also met with the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

"Mr. Shoigu’s visit underscores the close alliance between Iran and Russia, which has strengthened since the war in Ukraine started in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with military drones, and the two countries recently finalized an agreement to expand their military and intelligence cooperation," notes "The New York Times."

Iranian media reported that Iran has asked Russia to provide advanced air defense systems in preparation for a potential war with Israel.

Journalists spoke with two Iranian officials who were familiar with the war plans. One of them is a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He confirmed that Iran asked Moscow for help and that "Russia has started delivering advanced radars and air-defense equipment."

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ordered a direct attack from Iran on Israel after the Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an explosion at his guesthouse during his visit to Iran for the inauguration of the new president.

American and Israeli officials expect that Iran and its allied militant groups in the region will launch a significant and coordinated attack on Israel. These groups, known as the "Axis of Resistance," include Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

"We are ready for full cooperation with Iran on regional issues," Shoigu said.

Gen. Bagheri told Shoigu that relations between their nations are "deep, long term and strategic" and will only "expand under Iran's new government."

Although Russia also has economic and cultural ties with Israel (many Russian Jews live in Israel), analysts say that it cannot afford to reject Iranian requests for assistance, as it is heavily reliant on Iranian drones in Ukraine.

"If Iranians are asking Russians for air defense, they are cashing in their chips," said Colin P. Clarke, director of policy and research at Soufan Group, an intelligence and security consulting firm. "The question is how do Russians assuage Tehran without ruining their relationship with Israel," he added.