Russia, Iran deepen military alliance through cyberwarfare
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – As military cooperation between Russia and Iran in the military field is growing, Russia is helping Iran to got advanced digital-surveillance capabilities and deeper cooperation cyberwarfare.
People familiar with the issue say the US sees this “burgeoning military alliance” between the two countries as a threat.
Wall Street Journal said in a report that the collaboration has emerged and flourished after Iran provided Russia with drones for its war in Ukraine and agreed to provide short-range missiles to and shipped tank and artillery rounds to the battlefield.
However, Iran has denied “allegations” that Iranian drones were used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Two years ago, Russia and Iran signed a “cyber-cooperation agreement” towards sophisticated cyber capabilities that Iran has long worked to develop.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February, 2022, Russia has provided Iran with communication-surveillance capabilities as well as eavesdropping devices, advanced photography devices, and lie detectors.
Iran used the internet in easing impacts of the protests of last year.
“Given Russia’s superior capabilities, any amount of knowledge transfer would improve Iran’s cyber capabilities,” said Annie Fixler, a cyber-policy analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank that is often critical of Iran.
Iran and Russia have deepened an alignment since the start of the Syrian war as they helped the Syrian president crack down protests called for his toppling, according to Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, an associate professor specializing in Middle East politics at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.
“Feeling cornered by the U.S. and its allies, both Iran and Russia seem determined to make this alliance work,” Tabaar said.