The partnership between Russia and Iran has strengthened over the past few years, and this process has likely accelerated due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as noted by intelligence analysts from the United Kingdom on October 9th.

"International isolation has forced Russia to redirect its foreign policy efforts towards previously less-desirable partnerships to gain diplomatic, economic and military support. Iranian military aid to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine has included hundreds of one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and artillery munitions. Iranian OWA UAVs have been a core element of Russia’s campaign of long-range strikes into Ukraine. This arrangement has now been extended to include assembling and production of these UAVs, under licence, in a facility in Russia," the experts state.

According to their information, Russian-Iranian diplomatic and economic ties have also intensified.

"Russia’s engagement with Iran through multinational forums will almost certainly increase following Iran’s recent admission into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and its invitation to join the economic BRICS forum," the analysts add.