Last month, the White House voiced concern that Tehran may also provide Moscow with ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby has pointed to Iran’s announcement that it had finalized a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, and noted that Iran is looking to buy additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and combat-trainer aircraft. Putin’s talks with Raisi come a day after the Russian leader discussed the hostilities in the Gaza Strip during his trip to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the key participants in international efforts to negotiate a settlement. Putin has close personal ties with both UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
