In the rapidly shifting balance of regional and global power, Iran is reasserting itself through a dual-track strategy combining the revival of its nuclear program with a sweeping modernization of its armed forces. After years of sanctions and pressure, Tehran appears to have moved from a phase of “defensive resilience” to one of “force rebuilding,” allowing it to impose new rules of engagement on its rivals — chiefly the US and Israel.

In this context, Iran is deepening its military cooperation with Russia, which has become its foremost strategic partner in recent years — particularly in aviation and air defense. Recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov make clear that this partnership has entered an advanced implementation stage, coinciding with the arrival of new shipments of sensitive equipment to Iran.

Lavrov dismissed reports of Western pressure aimed at halting arms transfers to Tehran. When asked by a journalist whether Russia is indeed supplying Iran with S-400 air defense systems and Su-35 fighter jets, Lavrov replied: