Russia’s Shoigu to meet with Iranian defence officials in Tehran

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will pay a visit to Tehran on September 19.

During the visit, he is expected to meet with senior Iranian defence officials, Al Arabiya reports, citing Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Regional developments and defence ties will be subjects of discussion during the meetings between Shoigu and Iranian officials and commanders, Tasnim said.

Over the past year, Russia and Iran, both subject to international sanctions, have forged strong ties across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on military collaboration.

Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Iran of supplying weapons to Russia for use in its ongoing war against Kyiv. Tehran denies the allegations.

Earlier this month, Iranian media reported that the country’s air force had taken delivery of a shipment of Russian YAK-130 training aircraft, aimed at enhancing the training and combat capabilities of its air force.

In May, the United States voiced concern that Tehran and Moscow were “expanding their unprecedented defence partnership.”