An Iranian general stated that the Russians need their missiles and drones, not the other way around.

Iran did not rely on Russia for military power, stated former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Mohammad-Ali Jafari on October 26, 2025. He emphasized that Moscow now depends on Iranian missiles and drones.

Origins of Iranian Military Independence

Jafari noted that Iran received assistance in missile technologies from Libya and North Korea, but not from Russia. In the early post-revolutionary years, the country actively engaged in reverse engineering systems, exchanging technical information with Tripoli and Pyongyang.

According to him, Russia did not provide significant support. Now it is Moscow that needs Iranian technologies, highlighting the shift in the balance of power.

Cooperation with Russia: Myths and Reality

Iranian drones played an important role in Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, despite Tehran’s denial. However, Moscow did not support Iran in its conflict with Israel, highlighting the limitations of their cooperation.

Technological Superiority

Jafari rejected claims of Russian technological superiority, stating that Iran surpasses Russia in precision guidance systems. He emphasized that the accuracy of Iranian missiles remains unmatched.

Russia’s use of Iranian drones in Ukraine signaled to the West the need to seek alternatives to expensive missiles. This underscores the strategic importance of Iranian developments on the global stage.