Iran has carved out a role in Ukraine, a conflict far from its borders, even as guns and movement shorten the distances between the various chessboards. And the European Union’s proposal for sanctions against Iranians underscores this.
The mullahs have done a lot compared to China by showing that they are friends (interested) in Russia. You’ll likely get new fighters, technology, and banks in return in the event of a crisis. The popular revolt has increased isolation, the contrast with the West has increased, there is always a fear of a military confrontation, while strange accidents and acts of sabotage are taking place in the country. By helping the neo-tsar, they acquire an important credit. And who knows, maybe they’re trying to find favor in Syria, an area where they’re trying to protect Assad but where they have other long-term goals. So much so that Vladimir Putin has not hindered the hundreds of Israeli raids on Khomenist targets. A stance that builds on the pragmatic relationship with Jerusalem, which in turn has refused to send vital aid to Kiev. At least officially.
From the military aspect, cooperation has an even closer setback. The Iranians are experimenting with and trying to improve their warfare systems at the hands of the Russians. The Shahed were modified after the first waves to make them more effective, adjustments dictated by combat experience. History repeats itself: drones and vectors were indeed tested for a long time in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East and then exported after their impact was assessed. And it is coincidental – but not coincidental either – that Tehran-aligned Shia militias have repeatedly “tested” the drones in sorties on US targets in the Middle East: the most recent episode yesterday with the downing of one of these vehicles in the Middle East northeast from Syria.
Finally, Iran also “returns” to the other barricade. The United States is considering handing over to the Ukrainians thousands of rifles, explosives, light mountains and anti-tank ammunition seized from the allies between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman on board fishing boats or small cargo. It is equipment likely made by the Pasdaran and destined for the Shia guerrillas in Yemen. In fact, information with photos about the presence of this equipment in the Ukrainian arsenal was already circulating months ago. It wouldn’t be surprising if Washington anticipated the times without saying so, today’s rumors can be an easy confirmation.