Iran Confirms Acquisition of Russian Sukhoi-35 Fighter Jets Amid Rising Military Ties with Moscow

Iran has officially confirmed the acquisition of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, as stated by a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on January 29, 2025. This is the first time an Iranian official has acknowledged the purchase, although Commander Ali Shadmani did not specify the quantity of jets acquired or their delivery status. The announcement arrives amidst growing concerns in the West regarding military cooperation between Iran and Russia. Experts suggest that these developments may exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region, as both nations align their military strategies more closely. The Sukhoi-35 is a highly advanced multirole fighter jet, known for its agility and long-range capabilities. The deal is likely to provoke a strong response from Western nations, which have been closely monitoring Iran's military expansion efforts. Despite the absence of detailed information regarding the procurement process, the news highlights the increasing collaboration between Iran and Russia, particularly in defense, amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.

Iran is once again employing hostage diplomacy as a key strategy in its foreign relations, particularly during a critical year for nuclear negotiations. The recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in December and freed on January 8, 2025, is indicative of Tehran's tactics. Sala's release coincided with the liberation of another European hostage, German-Iranian feminist Nahid Taghavi, as Iran seeks leverage through the incarceration of Western nationals. Political analysts suggest that Iran's use of hostage diplomacy serves multiple purposes, including negotiating the release of Iranian prisoners abroad and unfreezing Iranian assets. Historically, this tactic has been employed to gain concessions during negotiations, particularly surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement initially reached in 2015. The JCPOA is set to expire on October 18, 2025, prompting Iran to increase its efforts. With tensions rising and the political landscape shifting following the U.S. presidential election of 2024, Iran may perceive an opportunity to apply pressure on European nations. Observers note that the quick release of Sala could be a strategic concession to Italy, contrasting with the prolonged detention of other EU citizens in Iran. As discussions regarding the nuclear program continue, implications of hostage-taking extend beyond individual cases, highlighting the fraught relationship between Iran and Western powers, particularly in light of France's pivotal role in nuclear negotiations and the complexities added by recent political changes in the U.S.

Iran has officially announced the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, a development confirmed by a senior commander within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This marks the first public acknowledgment by an Iranian official regarding the acquisition of the SU-35, amidst increasing concerns from Western nations about the deepening military relationship between Tehran and Moscow. Ali Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, stated that military purchases are essential for Iran to bolster its air, land, and naval forces. While he did not specify the number of jets acquired or their delivery status, he affirmed that Iran is committed to enhancing its military capabilities. The acquisition comes shortly after Iran and Russia signed a strategic partnership focused on military-technical cooperation. Iran's air force currently operates a limited fleet of strike aircraft, including aging U.S. models and some Russian jets, as the country seeks to modernize its military amid continuous regional tensions, particularly with Israel. Shadmani issued a warning about retaliatory measures against perceived threats, stating that “if the enemy acts foolishly, it will taste the bitter taste of being hit by our missiles.” This purchase could further escalate concerns about military alignments in the Middle East, especially following previous reports of Iran finalizing arrangements with Russia for advanced aircraft.