The Pentagon has expressed concern over a strengthening relationship between Russia and Iran, as Moscow seeks support in its war against Ukraine.
The Pentagon has detected a significant deepening of relations between Russia and Iran since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, raising concerns among U.S. officials.
Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh disclosed that the Department of Defense has monitored a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian leaders, indicating an ongoing alliance between the two nations.
Russia and Iran Deepen Ties Amid Ukraine War, Pentagon Warns
Russia's involvement in the Ukraine conflict has led to unprecedented international isolation, prompting Moscow to seek alternative partners. Iran, facing its own geopolitical challenges, has emerged as a willing ally, providing Russia with military equipment, such as drones, to bolster its war efforts.
In addition to material support, Iran has also offered political and diplomatic backing to Russia, condemning Western sanctions and criticizing the expansion of NATO. This convergence of interests between two countries with a history of antagonism against the West has alarmed policymakers in Washington and allied capitals.
Russia and Iran Deepen Ties Amid Ukraine War, Pentagon Warns
The Pentagon's concerns are further amplified by Putin's recent threats of "war" against NATO member states if Ukraine is permitted to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to target Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing the U.S. and NATO to lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of such weapons, a move that Putin warned could escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders.
Putin's bellicose rhetoric is seen as an attempt to deter Western aid to Ukraine and force Kyiv to accept Moscow's terms. However, experts believe that Putin's threats are largely bluster, aimed at intimidating the West and preventing further escalation.
Russia and Iran Deepen Ties Amid Ukraine War, Pentagon Warns
Former CIA Moscow station chief Dan Hoffman dismissed Putin's threats as hollow, highlighting the failures of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine and the negative consequences of his invasion. Hoffman argued that Putin's threats are specifically tailored to influence the Biden administration, which has been cautious in providing Ukraine with certain weapons systems.
Defense officials on both sides of the aisle have advocated for arming Ukraine with advanced weapons, arguing that it is in the best interests of the U.S. and NATO to prevent Putin from achieving his ambitions in Europe.
Russia and Iran Deepen Ties Amid Ukraine War, Pentagon Warns
However, the Pentagon has downplayed the likelihood of an immediate announcement regarding the lifting of strike bans on Ukraine. White House national security communications advisor John Kirby stated that no such policy changes were expected.
Russia has repeatedly issued warnings and drawn "red lines" since 2022, threatening to retaliate against Western assistance to Ukraine. Despite these threats, Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has maintained that Russia alone is responsible for the conflict and that Ukraine has the inherent right to self-defense.
