According to reports from the Financial Times, Iran has signed an agreement to buy advanced shoulder-fired air defense missiles from Russia, totaling around €500 million. The deal, signed in secret in December in Moscow, obliges Russia to supply Iran with 500 portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over a period of three years. This development is part of Iran's strategy to modernize and bolster its defense capabilities amid rising tensions and potential threats from the United States.

The need to enhance Iran's military defenses comes against the backdrop of recent reports indicating an imminent escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions. Reports suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump was close to initiating a large-scale war against Iran, leading to concerns over heightened military confrontations in the region. Furthermore, satellite images released by the Financial Times indicate that the U.S. has increased its deployment of fighter jets in the area, adding to the already complicated geopolitical landscape.

This arms deal could have significant implications not only for Iran's military capabilities but also for the balance of power in the region. Strengthening Iran's defense systems may provoke further responses from the U.S. and its allies, exacerbating tensions. As Iran continues to solidify its military partnerships, the global community will be closely monitoring how this deal intersects with existing sanctions and international relations, particularly regarding military assistance and export controls.