Iran-Russia “burgeoning” military ties prop up Syria’s President

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The US Air Force commander in the Middle East warned on Wednesday of “burgeoning” military ties between Iran and Russia, saying shared drone technology was a particular concern.

Modified Iranian drones used by Moscow in its war in Ukraine could feed back to Iran, which in turn may employ them in its campaign to prop up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich said in a briefing in Abu Dhabi.

“I see the implications of that relationship playing out a little bit in Syria,” he added.

On the same day, Iranian Tasnim news agency said that the Russian defense minister and his entourage, who have traveled to Iran at the invitation of Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, paid a visit to the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Group Crops (IRGC) Aerospace Force in Tehran.

General Shoigu was shown a number of drones, missile systems and missile defense equipment, according to the source.

The Russian defense minister and the Iranian military officials have discussed a range of issues in Tehran, such as long-term military cooperation between the two countries.

By Emma Jamal