Russia has begun supplying Iran with drones, food, and missiles as Tehran continues its conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a Financial Times report published Thursday. The shipments reportedly started earlier this month and are expected to be completed by the end of March. This marks the first lethal weapons delivery from Moscow to Tehran since the war began on February 28. Previously, Russia had supported Iran with intelligence and satellite imagery.

The report noted that while Russia had been producing Iranian-designed drones for use in the Ukraine war since 2023, it is now sending drones back to Iran to strengthen its defense systems and battlefield position. A Kremlin spokesperson did not directly confirm the drone supply but acknowledged ongoing dialogue with Iranian leadership, suggesting deepening strategic ties between the two nations.

Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea were reportedly aimed at disrupting this military and logistical exchange. Western countries view the growing Russia-Iran cooperation as a new source of concern, with analysts describing the drone transfer as a reciprocal exchange following earlier Iranian support for Russia.