According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran has entered into a secret arms deal with Russia valued at €500 million. Details of the deal, which includes the purchase of thousands of advanced portable missile systems, were revealed through leaked Russian documents, and multiple sources familiar with the agreement were cited. The arms deal reportedly involves Russia committing to supply Iran with 500 Verba portable air defense systems and 2,500 9M336 missiles over the next three years.

The Verba air defense system is noted for being among Russia's most advanced, capable of targeting cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and drones. This deal comes at a critical time, with U.S. President Donald Trump having amassed significant military forces around Iran and threatening strikes on Tehran if it does not agree to limit its nuclear program. The timing and scale of this arms acquisition by Iran suggest an escalating military dynamic in the region that could impact international relations and the existing power balance.

Reports suggest that deliveries of the Verba systems are set to occur in three phases between 2027 and 2029. Such military cooperation between Iran and Russia has broader implications for regional security, particularly given the tensions involving the United States and its allies, potentially complicating efforts for diplomatic resolutions to ongoing conflicts.