Iran acquires Russian Su-35 fighter jets
Senior Revolutionary Guard commander Ali Shadmani made the announcement on Monday, marking the first official acknowledgment of the acquisition.
While Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, did not disclose the number of jets purchased or their delivery status, he emphasized Iran's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
'We are enhancing our air, land, and naval forces as required and have expedited the production of military equipment,' he stated.
The purchase comes amid Western concerns over deepening Iran-Russia ties. In November 2023, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements for the procurement of Russian aircraft.
Earlier that month, the two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, which highlighted "military-technical cooperation" but did not explicitly mention arms transfers.
Iran's air force, currently limited to a small fleet of older Russian and pre-1979 U.S. aircraft, stands to gain a significant upgrade with the Su-35 jets.
Shadmani also issued a pointed warning to Israel, stating, 'If the enemy acts recklessly, they will face the full force of our missiles, and no interest of theirs in the occupied territories will remain unscathed.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
25 minutes ago
- Roya News
Giant Palestinian flag hung on iconic French Alps peak
An anonymous group of mountaineers unfurled a giant Palestinian flag on the west face of the Drus in the Mont Blanc massif over the weekend, in what they described as a symbolic action to raise awareness of the war in Gaza. The flag, measuring 145 square meters, was displayed on the steep mountain in Chamonix between August 16 and 17. The High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) was later dispatched by French authorities to remove it, a task completed by midday Sunday. In a statement, the climbers said the gesture was aimed at denouncing the ongoing aggression and what they called the inaction of Western governments. They drew parallels with the 2024 initiative '100 Summits for Gaza,' when Palestinian flags were raised on dozens of mountain peaks across France to call for a ceasefire. 'We chose the mountains to carry this visual cry to the world,' the collective said, adding that their act was intended as a message of solidarity and peace. The move sparked debate in France over whether symbolic acts of protest in natural spaces should be considered political offenses or expressions of free speech.
Jordan Times
an hour ago
- Jordan Times
Safadi, Lavrov reiterate strong ties, expanding multi-sector cooperation
- Scholarships, joint committee meetings set to boost bilateral ties, coordinating on regional crises - Jordan, Russia align positions on Gaza, Palestine, Syria, stressing Arab - Peace Initiative only path to lasting peace - Top diplomats stress urgent aid delivery, prisoner exchange deals, int'l recognition of Palestine statehood AMMAN— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held extensive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, focusing on advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional developments. At a joint press conference, the two ministers reaffirmed the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah and President Vladimir Putin to strengthening Jordanian-Russian ties across economic, trade, tourism, and cultural sectors, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Lavrov expressed Russia's interest in deepening its partnership with Jordan, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah will participate in the first Russia-Arab Summit in October and meet with Putin. He also noted that Moscow would host the seventh session of the Russian-Jordanian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation before the end of the year, and underscore ongoing cooperation in education, including scholarships for Jordanian students. The Russian minister also pointed to the mutual visa exemption agreement, describing it as an important step to boost tourism and business ties. He said more than 1,500 Jordanian students are currently studying in Russia and praised the visits of Russian Orthodox pilgrims to Jordan's holy sites, especially the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. On regional developments, Lavrov stressed that Jordan and Russia share aligned positions, particularly regarding Gaza and the West Bank. He called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the implementation of prisoner exchange agreements, and intensified efforts to deliver humanitarian aid through UN agencies operating in the Strip. He also underlined Russia's commitment to advancing international recognition of an independent Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions as a path to regional stability. Safadi expressed Jordan's appreciation for Russia's position, saying: 'We appreciate Russia's call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the delivery of aid to Gaza.' He stressed that Israel must end its aggression and lift the blockade. Safadi warned of the catastrophic repercussions of Israel's 'aggressive and expansionist' policies in Gaza, the destruction of prospects for peace in the occupied West Bank, and its violations in Syria and Lebanon. He also reiterated Jordan's efforts, under His Majesty's leadership, to stop the massacres and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis. The foreign minister voiced Jordan's support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to secure a prisoner exchange deal that could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian access, and revive prospects for a political solution. He stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable path to peace. Safadi reiterated that the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative offers the most comprehensive framework for lasting peace, in contrast with what he described as Israel's 'destructive policies' of war and settlement expansion. He urged the international community to choose between supporting the initiative, which secures peace and stability, or allowing Israel's policies to fuel further conflict and instability. 'The obvious choice, one that safeguards regional security and international peace, is to support the Arab Peace Initiative. It protects the rights of all parties, upholds international law, and lays the foundation for a secure and stable future,' Safadi said. He warned that Israel's rhetoric of a so-called 'greater Israel' only fuels hatred and will lead to greater destruction. 'This agenda deepens the crisis, violates international law, and infringes on state sovereignty. It remains a fantasy for extremists, as all countries in the region, including Jordan, will resist any attempt to impose further conflict or domination,' he added. Safadi condemned the humanitarian toll of the war. 'It is unacceptable for Palestinian children to starve or for mothers to be unable to feed their children. The world bears a moral, humanitarian, and legal responsibility to put an end to these massacres and this starvation,' he said. Responding to questions on Israel's threats to expand the war, Safadi said such policies are intended to prolong conflict and advance expansionist agendas in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. He urged the international community to take a clear stance: 'Does it work towards security, peace and stability for all, or towards further conflict and destruction that threaten regional and global security?' Safadi cautioned against Israel's declared intention to impose full military control over Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences. 'What Israel is talking about is the displacement of one million Palestinians from Gaza City to the south, where over a million already live in camps lacking the basics of life,' he said. He added that a ceasefire proposal currently on the table 'must be accepted,' urging international pressure to end the catastrophe, stop the killings, and guarantee the entry of food, water, and medicine, while creating the political space needed to advance lasting solutions. Safadi also stressed the importance of allowing journalists into Gaza to report on starvation, massacres, and human suffering. He drew attention to deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, where settlement expansion, land confiscation, and assaults on Islamic and Christian holy sites threaten the prospects for peace. He said Israel is also exerting pressure on the Orthodox Church in an attempt to seize its properties. Safadi also welcomed the growing recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it an essential step toward translating political support for the two-state solution into concrete action. He urged other countries to follow suit, arguing that recognition of Palestine is a necessary expression of international consensus. 'If the world agrees that the two-state solution is the only path to peace, then recognition of Palestine is the practical embodiment of that position,' he said. He highlighted the recent Saudi-French initiative at the UN, where 125 countries reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution. 'This would not only guarantee Palestinian statehood but also ensure Israel's security and open the door to normal relations in the region,' he said. He stressed that such international consensus must be translated into practical measures that prevent actions obstructing peace, particularly settlement expansion and land confiscation. 'If the world views settlement expansion as a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, then there must be practical measures to stop it,' Safadi added. Turning to Syria, Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for efforts to restore the country's security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, and to safeguard the rights of its citizens. He underlined that Jordan stands fully with Syria in reconstruction efforts aimed at ensuring stability and the safety of its people. 'We once again caution against the consequences of Israeli aggression on Syrian soil, which push the country towards instability. Syria's success is the region's success, and its stability is the region's stability,' he said. Safadi emphasised that stability in southern Syria is vital to Jordan's own security, recalling that the Kingdom recently hosted several meetings to address the tragic events in Sweida. He noted that Jordan is working with the Syrian government and the US to reach a solution that preserves Syria's territorial unity and guarantees the rights of Sweida's residents as integral citizens. He pointed to practical steps outlined in the Amman Statement following the Jordanian-Syrian-US tripartite meeting, including Damascus' commitment to cooperate with UN bodies, hold perpetrators accountable, deliver aid, and reintegrate Sweida into the state. He announced that a tripartite committee will be established to maintain the ceasefire and move toward a lasting solution. Preserving Syria's unity, he stressed, is 'a red line.' Safadi also warned that Israeli interference has fueled crises in Syria, urging respect for its sovereignty and unity. He noted that Damascus has reaffirmed it poses no threat to any party, abides by the 1974 disengagement agreement, and is willing to address Israel's security concerns. 'But occupation and intervention are not security for Israel,' he said. 'They threaten Syria's stability and fuel chaos that we will all pay for.' Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's continued cooperation with Syria, the US, regional partners, and the international community to deliver aid and restore stability, stressing that the Amman meeting marked the beginning of a process to overcome the tragic events in Sweida and ensure that Syrians live as equal citizens, free from threats to their safety. Safadi welcomed the conference between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, underlining Jordan's support for a political solution that safeguards the rights of all parties and adheres to international law and legitimacy.
Jordan Times
3 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Iran says 'cannot completely' break with UN nuclear watchdog
TEHRAN — Iran "cannot completely cut cooperation" with the UN nuclear watchdog but the return of its inspectors is up to the country's security chiefs, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday. The remarks come nearly two months after Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency following its 12-day war with Israel in June. Iran has cited the IAEA's failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities as the reason for its decision, which saw the watchdog's inspectors leave the country following the passing of new legislation by parliament. "We cannot completely cut cooperation with the agency," Araghchi said, noting that new fuel rods need to be installed at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in the coming weeks which will require the presence of IAEA inspectors. "Under the law passed by parliament, the return of inspectors will be possible through a decision of the Supreme National Security Council," he told the official IRNA news agency in an interview published Wednesday, referring to Iran's top security body. In mid-June, Israel launched an unprecedented attack targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, but also hitting residential areas. The United States launched its own attacks on nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. The war derailed talks between Iran and the United States on a new nuclear deal to replace the one abandoned by President Donald Trump during his first term in 2018. Iran has since said cooperation with the agency will take "a new form" and earlier this month the agency's deputy head visited Tehran for talks. At the time, deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran and the agency had agreed to "continue consultations". In recent weeks, Britain, France and Germany have threatened to trigger a snapback of UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 accord if Iran fails to agree a deal on uranium enrichment and cooperation with the IAEA.
