Russia begins supplying Iran with ammunition for war against US

Russia has started supplying ammunition to Iran, which is intended for use in its conflict against the United States, a European official confirmed to NBC News. The clandestine shipments are reportedly traversing the Caspian Sea, a waterway strategically controlled by Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.

This route presents a significant challenge for the United States and Israel, as they are unable to intercept all cargo moving between Russian and Iranian ports. The transfers have persisted even after alleged Israeli attacks on Iran's Bandar-e Anzali port, a facility suspected of being used for arms transit between Moscow and Tehran.

NBC News analysis suggests these ongoing deliveries signify a deepening strategic alliance between the Kremlin and Iranian authorities. This cooperation builds upon Iran's earlier assistance to Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tehran initially provided Russia with Shahed-type combat drones and the technology to produce them.

Russia has since been able to upgrade these Iranian drones and commence its own production, utilizing them for attacks within Ukraine. In March 2026, the Financial Times reported, citing Western intelligence sources, that Russia had begun supplying drones to Iran. Additionally, Moscow reportedly shared satellite imagery, intelligence, and other data with Tehran to aid its efforts in targeting U.S. positions in the Middle East.