Iran and Russia are “going to expand unprecedented military cooperation,” a White House spokesman said Monday, referring in particular to Moscow’s desire to acquire more advanced Iranian drones, Agerpres quoted Agerpres as saying.

“We are using the tools at our disposal to condemn and deter this activity, and we stand ready to do more,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

He added that the United States would announce new sanctions “in the coming days” against entities or individuals involved in these transactions between the two countries.

“This is a full military partnership that harms Ukraine, the Middle East and the international community,” he said during a meeting with several journalists.

“There are ongoing contacts between Iran and Russia regarding the sale of more advanced weapons, especially more advanced drones,” the spokesman said, estimating that Iran has supplied Russia with more than 400 drones, mostly of the Shahed type, since August.

Instead, the United States “detected no movement” related to the possible supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to the Russian military.

Iran wants to buy military equipment worth billions of dollars from Russia

In contrast, on military aid coming from Russia to Iran, Washington has made it clear that Tehran, in addition to Russian fighter jets, is “looking to acquire other military equipment, including attack helicopters, radars and a Yak-130 jet trainer,” John said. Kirby.

“Iran wants to buy military equipment from Russia for the total amount of several billion dollars,” he said.

The US government plans to announce new measures soon to “help governments and companies better understand the risks associated with Iran’s drone program and Iran’s illegal procurement practices,” John Kirby explained.

The goal, he says, is to encourage action so those same governments and companies don’t “unintentionally” contribute to Iran’s drone production.

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