Leaked reports indicate that Iran has secretly signed a €500 million arms deal with Russia to buy thousands of advanced shoulder‑fired missiles and launch systems. The agreement, reportedly signed in Moscow in December, could reshape Iran’s air‑defence capabilities and reflects deepening military ties amidst regional tensions.
Iran Signs Secret €500M Arms Deal with Russia:
A leaked report published this week reveals that Iran has signed a secret €500 million arms agreement with Russia to purchase thousands of advanced shoulder‑fired air‑defence missiles and launch systems, marking a significant deepening in military ties between the two nations amid heightened regional tensions.
Details of Iran’s Verba Missile Deal with Russia:
According to the Financial Times, Iran concluded the confidential defence deal with Russia in December in Moscow, committing to acquire 500 man‑portable Verba air‑defence launch units and 2,500 “9M336” infrared‑guided missiles over a three‑year period from 2027 to 2029.
The deal was negotiated between Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, and representatives of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), based on leaked Russian documents reviewed by the newspaper.
The Verba systems are modern, shoulder‑fired air‑defence weapons capable of targeting cruise missiles, low‑flying aircraft, and drones, and offer Tehran a mobile defence capability that does not rely on fixed radar infrastructure.
Geopolitical Context and Implications of the Iran-Russia Arms Deal:
This major arms transaction comes against the backdrop of growing U.S. military presence and strategic pressure in the Middle East. Recent escalations-including U.S. and allied air operations against Iranian nuclear facilities-have underscored Tehran’s interest in rebuilding and modernising its air‑defence capabilities.
Relations between Iran and Russia have historically included military cooperation, but this agreement-if confirmed-would signal one of the most prominent defensive arms purchases Tehran has made in recent years.
Western governments have maintained sanctions and arms embargoes on Iran over its nuclear programme and regional activities, making such deals politically sensitive in diplomatic circles.