Iran receives Russian attack helicopters as U.S. sends naval fleet to region amid escalating tensions between the nations.
Iran Arming Against Potential U.S. Attack
Attack helicopters from Russia arrived in Iran, which Tehran ordered in 2023. These are Mi-28NE machines equipped with advanced functions for countering ground and air targets, including air-to-ground missiles and guided rockets.
A helicopter in the colors of the Iranian armed forces was photographed at an air base in Tehran. Iran’s then Deputy Defense Minister General Mehdi Farahi confirmed that Iran received Su-35 fighter jets, Jak-130 training aircraft and Mi-28 attack helicopters from Russia. Three helicopters arrived in Tehran between the end of 2025 and the end of January 2026.
Trump Considers Targeted Strikes on Iranian Leadership
The United States has sent a fleet of 10 ships to the Iran region, including the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, as well as fighter jets, bombers and transport aircraft. The destroyer USS Delbert Black arrived in the Middle East on January 29.
US President Donald Trump is considering options against Iran including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders, according to Reuters sources. Trump reportedly wants to create conditions for a “regime change.” Protests in Iran began on December 29 and are directed against the government, which demonstrators accuse of high inflation and economic problems.
US Evacuates Bases in Qatar as Iran Warns of Retaliation
In mid-January, Washington ordered personnel at the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar to leave. This is the largest US military base in the Middle East, where about 10,000 soldiers are stationed.
In June 2025, some personnel and families were relocated from US bases in the Middle East. At that time, Iran carried out a rocket attack on the base in Qatar in response to attacks by Israel and the United States, though no missiles reached their target. Iran has now warned that in case of a US attack, it will attack US military bases in the Middle East.