Russia to provide military aid to Iran, says State Duma official

Russia will provide Iran with military and other necessary assistance, as the countries are bound by a treaty and the matter concerns Russia’s own security, Andrey Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma Committee on Defence, told Lenta.ru.

The deputy emphasised that Russia will not send troops into the conflict zone but may deploy military equipment and aircraft. The decision will be made by the country’s top leadership, he added.

“Do you see how many countries have immediately become involved in the Middle East conflict? Our country cannot allow Iran to be destroyed. Our S-300 systems are already there. I think something more modern may be sent as well. That is the prerogative of the country’s top leadership,” Kolesnik said.

On February 28, the United States, together with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran.