Iran’s defense minister confirms military support from Russia and China, citing strategic partnership, while defending regional attacks and threatening Hormuz blockade.
Military Partnership Confirmation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Aragci named Russia and China as strategic partners, stating the country receives assistance from both US adversaries but declined specifics. “This includes military cooperation,” he noted, explaining he would avoid details to maintain relations.
He emphasized the cooperation also covers political and economic spheres.
Defense of Regional Attacks
In a Saturday interview, Aragci defended Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, which accuse Tehran of rocketing areas unrelated to military installations.
Specifically, he accused the UAE of enabling US attacks launched from densely populated areas like Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah. “It is obvious they are launched from the UAE,” he stated, citing the danger of firing rockets from populated zones.
Hormuz Threat and Economic Ties
The Iranian Foreign Minister also announced his country will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, an action already causing significant increases in global oil prices and fuel costs at gas stations.
Iran signed a 25-year economic cooperation deal with Beijing in 2021, focused on supplying Iranian oil to China. Deliveries were halted by the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran since February 28.
Drone Transfers to Russia
Iran and Russia have strengthened ties over the last decade, with Tehran supplying Moscow with Shahed drones used in the war against Ukraine.
Ukraine, having gained extensive drone warfare experience, aims to share this knowledge with the US and its Middle Eastern allies. Ukraine has already sent experts and drone-intercepting technology, including to protect US bases in Jordan, and discussions are ongoing with Qatar.
Global Reactions
Former US President Donald Trump dismissed Ukraine’s offer, stating in a Fox News interview that the US knows more about drones than anyone, and told NBC News, “The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy.” Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to speak with Zelenskyy early this week, taking a different approach to the Ukrainian proposal.
