The United States has received reports that Russia and Iran are considering joint production of lethal drones. This is what clearly worries the United States. Ukraine accused Iran of supplying Russia with the "kamikaze" drones it used on October 17, which Tehran initially denied. However, Iran acknowledged that it had sent Moskov some drones months before the war. The United States, through John Kirby, considers that cooperation between Iran and Russia to produce drones will be dangerous for Ukraine, Iran's neighbors, and the international community. What is meant by dangerous for Iran's neighbors is that Russia will provide Iran with advanced military components including helicopters and air defense systems so that the security of the region will be threatened.
Cooperation Between Iran and Russia
Relations between Iran and Russia have been going on for a long time. It is recorded that relations between Russia and Iran date back to 1500 with trade followed by the conquest of Ivan the Terrible which eventually opened the Volga-Caspian line between Muscovy and Iran. Nonetheless, relations between Iran and Russia have not always been smooth sailing. In the 19th century, there was the first war between Russia and Iran, and that war lasted for nine years. However, the condition of Russia and Iran can be said to be back in the 20th century.
Impact of Iran and Russia Cooperation
Relations between Russia and Iran are reportedly closer than ever. Deepening ties between Russia and Iran will help both countries lessen the impact of western sanctions by finding new markets for their products and increasing military cooperation. Iran and Russia are forging closer ties than ever, as their international isolation pushes America's two staunch foes toward more trade and military cooperation, worrying Washington. "Both countries share opposition to the US-led world order and both suffer harsh US sanctions," Faucon wrote.
"But until this year, their relationship had been weighed down by conflicting agendas in Syria, by Iran's historic suspicion of foreign interference and by Russia's historic role as the dominant power in Central Asia and the Caucasus," Faucon wrote.
Faucon believes a closer Russia-Iran alliance will help both countries lessen the impact of Western sanctions by finding new markets for their products and increasing military cooperation.
Australia Imposing Sanctions on Russia and Iran
Australia's foreign minister on Saturday said his government would impose sanctions against Russia and Iran in response to what they called "horrific" human rights violations.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia brought Magnitsky-style witnesses against 13 individuals and two entities.
They include Iran's Morality Police and Basij Resistance Forces, as well as six Iranians involved in the crackdown on protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in custody in September.