Iranian officials have announced that Russia has started delivering advanced air defense and radar equipment to Iran, following Tehran’s request to the Kremlin for these arms, according to a report from the New York Times on Monday. While local Iranian media had initially reported on the request, confirmation came from a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and another official, stating that deliveries were indeed underway. This development has heightened tensions in the Middle East amid fears of a potential Iranian retaliation against Israel, following the alleged assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Iranian officials have stated that Russia has begun supplying advanced air defense and radar systems to Iran, following Tehran’s request to the Kremlin for these arms, as reported by the New York Times on Monday. Local Iranian media had indicated that Tehran made this request, and both a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and another official confirmed to the Times that deliveries have commenced.
This development comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with concerns about a possible Iranian attack on Israel in retaliation for the alleged assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Iran has asserted that Israel must be “punished” for Haniyeh’s killing and has pledged to take action, raising fears that such a response could escalate tensions into a broader conflict.
Additionally, the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah has threatened to target Israel from Lebanon following the recent assassination of its military leader, Fuad Shukr, in an attack near Beirut, which Israel has claimed responsibility for. In response, Israel has stated its readiness to defend itself and retaliate against any aggression. According to Ynet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed preemptive strikes against Iran with security chiefs during a meeting on Sunday. On Monday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the need for Israel to be prepared to launch an offensive if Iran were to attack.
