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In a recent development, Tehran is supplying Moscow with vital components for the establishment of a drone assembly plant.

The proposed manufacturing facility is situated in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone, several hundred miles east of Moscow.

The US intelligence finding, disclosed by the White House on Friday, suggests this move is in response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, indicates that US intelligence professionals anticipate that the plant could become functional by early next year.

Furthermore, satellite imagery from April showcases the potential industrial site of the drone manufacturing hub.

Iran Aids Russia: Iran-Russia Defense Collaboration in Action

Previously, the Biden administration had openly voiced its suspicion about a possible drone assembly line collaboration between Iran and Russia, specifically for the Ukraine war.

Current intelligence supports that the project in the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan has advanced beyond mere speculation.

The White House has confirmed that Tehran had supplied Russia with drones before the start of the Ukrainian conflict.

Recent insights suggest that the Persian nation continues to bolster the Russian military with one-way attack drones, which are transported across the Caspian Sea.

These drones, originating from Amirabad in Iran, reach Makhachkala, Russia, before being deployed against Ukraine.

Iran Aids Russia: Increasing International Concerns

With hundreds of attack drones and related equipment already received by Russia as of May, Kirby warns of a burgeoning defense partnership between Iran and Russia.

"This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran’s neighbors, and to the international community," he said, emphasizing the need to disrupt such activities.

Businesses and other governments are now being advised to put in place measures to avoid inadvertently contributing to Iran’s drone program.

Simultaneously, the US, the EU, and the UK have introduced regulations to restrict the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran.

Mutual Arms Flow and Deepening Relations

In a move that mirrors a chess game, Iran is also receiving arms from Russia, attempting to purchase additional military equipment, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft.

Iran disclosed in April that it had finalized a deal to acquire Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

The Biden administration continues to highlight how Iran aids Russia's invasion through persistent intelligence findings.