Iranian delegation arrives in Russia to discuss military cooperation

An Iranian military delegation has arrived in Russia to discuss cooperation between the two countries amid criticism from the West over Tehran's support for Russia's offensive in Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry said today.

The Iranian delegation is headed by Brigadier General Kiyumars Heidari, the commander of the Islamic Republic Army's ground forces, TASS news agency said.

"Russia considers Iran as one of the key countries in the Middle East and a strategic partner of Moscow," Oleg Saliukov, the commander of Russia's ground forces, said during the visit.

The Russian general added that during the current stage of bilateral cooperation the dialogue with Tehran is "intensive".

The two military officers agreed to continue to promote ties between the Russian and Iranian ground forces "in various fields", the official statement said.

During their visit, the Iranian delegation also visited Russian military facilities and units.

Western countries have accused Iran of supplying drones and ammunition to Russia to support its war in Ukraine.

According to Russian opposition media, a factory where assembly of Iranian drones has begun is already operating on Russian territory.