Kremlin Calls Reports of Russia Shipping Drones to Iran "Lies" Amid Western Intelligence Claims

 

The Kremlin has firmly denied recent reports alleging that Russia is preparing to ship drones, medicine, and food to Iran to support its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, dismissing the claims as “lies” and part of a wave of disinformation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the allegations by stating there are “a lot of fakes going around right now,” while acknowledging that Russia continues diplomatic dialogue with Iranian leadership. “One thing is true — we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership,” Peskov told reporters, according to multiple outlets including the Financial Times and Al Arabiya.50b354

The denial follows a Financial Times report citing Western intelligence sources, which claimed Russia is close to completing phased deliveries of modified Shahed-type drones (originally Iranian designs that Russia has used extensively in Ukraine), along with humanitarian aid. Discussions between senior Russian and Iranian officials reportedly began shortly after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets last month, with shipments said to have started in early March.5cdb49

This is not the first such denial from Moscow. Earlier in March, the Kremlin labeled a Wall Street Journal report “fake news.” That story alleged Russia was expanding military cooperation with Iran by sharing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to aid Tehran in targeting U.S. forces in the region. Peskov rejected those claims outright at the time.02c720

Russia and Iran maintain close ties, with Iran previously supplying Russia with Shahed drones for its war in Ukraine. Any reversal—Russia now aiding Iran with upgraded variants or related technology—would mark a notable shift in the alliance, especially amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. However, Moscow has consistently denied providing direct military assistance to Iran in its current conflict.

Western officials and analysts have expressed skepticism toward Russian denials, with some pointing to past instances where Moscow downplayed military moves. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor noted in related coverage that “we’ve learned the Kremlin lies,” referencing prior statements on Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine.207db2

The reports emerge against a backdrop of ongoing U.S.-Israel operations against Iran and broader geopolitical maneuvering involving Russia, which has faced its own international isolation over Ukraine.

Neither side has provided independent verification of the alleged shipments, and the situation remains fluid as intelligence assessments continue.